PEACE RIVER, Alta. – An environmental group says some Albertans want tougher rules for oilsands producers that operate close to where people live.
Ecojustice says some people in northwest Alberta have moved away from their homes because of health concerns about an extraction process called cold heavy oil production.
The group made the comments Monday as the Alberta Energy Regulator held a public meeting in Peace River to set the scope for an inquiry that will look into their concerns.
Ecojustice lawyers say Karla and Alain Labrecque and their two children left their family farm almost two years ago after suffering headaches, sinus problems and muscle spasms.
They say the heavy oil is heated and stored in tanks, venting noxious emissions into the surrounding area.
The regulator has said all of the companies in the area have met regulatory standards and the inquiry is the next stage to finding a solution.