Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants
McMaster University
$326,315.00
Sulfur biogeochemistry of syncrude untreated composite tailings and those undergoing restoration
FY 2012-13
Summary
Syncrude, ranked as the world's largest producer of synthetic crude from oil sands and the biggest single source in Canada, faces a number of significant challenges associated with management of its tailings ponds. Air emissions monitors in the area around the Fort McMurray oil sands have identified a steady increase in sulphur-based pollutants, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These emissions occur from tailings areas currently under reclamation. Recently, a dewatering well was shutdown on Syncrude's Mildred Lake property due to safety risks associated with H2S releases. Other, potentially larger scale H2S releases are possible in the future. The goal of the proposed research is to provide the necessary science-based understanding of sulphur dynamics for Syncrude to manage its composite tailings (CT) waste more effectively. The objectives of the proposed three-year field and laboratory collaborative research project in partnership with Syncrude are to: (1) identify if microbial activity occurring within composite tailings (CT) is linked to the generation of hydrogen sulphide gas, (H2Sg), and (2) assess CT sulphur biogeochemical evolution associated with Syncrude's first fen restoration project, providing an understanding of any potential positive or negative geochemical implications for tailings restoration. The proposed research will be carried out over a three-year time frame to assess CT sulphur biogeochemistry over sufficient spatial and temporal scales to (1) establish CT deposit heterogeneity and (2) identify CT evolution under fen creation. The results of the proposed research will provide Syncrude with new understanding of their tailings that will enable the company to develop strategies to manage its tailings more effectively with respect to sulphur in accordance with Directive 74. It will benefit Canada through improved environmental management of oil sands tailings, increased sustainability of oil sands activities and the training of 16 HQP in leading edge environmental science research. These HQP will develop the critical skills and experience in tailings exploration and biogeochemical management that will be needed for the future of the oil sands in Canada.
Program
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Recipient
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
403361-2010
Name nom
Warren, Lesley
Department département
Geography and Earth Sciences, School of
Organization id
27
Institution établissement
McMaster University
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2012
Competition year année de concours
2010
Award amount
326315
Program id
CRDPJ
Program name en
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement coopérative
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
141
Committee name en
University/Industry
Committee name fr
Universités/industrie
Area of application code
702
Area of application group en
Transportation systems and services
Area of application group fr
Services et systèmes de transport
Area of application en
Water
Area of application fr
Maritime
Research subject code
4201
Research subject group en
Geochemistry and geochronology
Research subject group fr
Géochimie et géochronologie
Research subject en
Environmental geochemistry
Research subject fr
Géochimie environnementale
Partie
3
Nb partie
4
Application title
Sulfur biogeochemistry of syncrude untreated composite tailings and those undergoing restoration
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Syncrude, ranked as the world's largest producer of synthetic crude from oil sands and the biggest single source in Canada, faces a number of significant challenges associated with management of its tailings ponds. Air emissions monitors in the area around the Fort McMurray oil sands have identified a steady increase in sulphur-based pollutants, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These emissions occur from tailings areas currently under reclamation. Recently, a dewatering well was shutdown on Syncrude's Mildred Lake property due to safety risks associated with H2S releases. Other, potentially larger scale H2S releases are possible in the future. The goal of the proposed research is to provide the necessary science-based understanding of sulphur dynamics for Syncrude to manage its composite tailings (CT) waste more effectively. The objectives of the proposed three-year field and laboratory collaborative research project in partnership with Syncrude are to: (1) identify if microbial activity occurring within composite tailings (CT) is linked to the generation of hydrogen sulphide gas, (H2Sg), and (2) assess CT sulphur biogeochemical evolution associated with Syncrude's first fen restoration project, providing an understanding of any potential positive or negative geochemical implications for tailings restoration. The proposed research will be carried out over a three-year time frame to assess CT sulphur biogeochemistry over sufficient spatial and temporal scales to (1) establish CT deposit heterogeneity and (2) identify CT evolution under fen creation. The results of the proposed research will provide Syncrude with new understanding of their tailings that will enable the company to develop strategies to manage its tailings more effectively with respect to sulphur in accordance with Directive 74. It will benefit Canada through improved environmental management of oil sands tailings, increased sustainability of oil sands activities and the training of 16 HQP in leading edge environmental science research. These HQP will develop the critical skills and experience in tailings exploration and biogeochemical management that will be needed for the future of the oil sands in Canada.
