"EDMONTON - A new study released Monday suggests environmental assessments of oilsands projects have underestimated the impact of pollution, raising questions about the accuracy of data used as part of the approval process."

"Despite taking into account emissions from industry-related activities, researchers from the University of Toronto found estimates in environmental impact statements submitted to regulators were insufficient to explain existing contamination levels in northern Alberta.

“Our study shows emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons estimated in environmental impact statements conducted to approve developments in the oilsands region are likely too low,” a summary document reads. “This finding implies that environmental concentrations estimated using those emissions may also be too low."

Marty Klinkenberg reports for the Edmonton Journal February 3, 2014. [2]