That is a tailing pond. To extract bitumen from Tar Sands (or any other fossil fuel) freshwater (needed for survival) is used in combination with numerous chemicals to extract the sludge. More chemicals are used to thin the sludge so it can move through pipelines. The unwanted byproduct is then "flushed."
The chemical cocktail left over is unsafe to drink - and is argued that it is unsafe to even be exposed it. The toxic water then seeps into other water sources, as that is the nature of water. It carries the toxic composition into areas not considered 'reserved' for tailing ponds, spreading contamination. One could liken it to nature's blood transfusion system.
Fossil fuel use is not sustainable, which we have known since the beginning. However, it was considered "cheap energy." However, knowing what we now know it is impossible to consider it thus. Aside from the monetary cost, it is warming the planet, poisoning the water and air, creating illnesses, and causing extinction. What civil mind finds that price cheap?
Politicians are only focused on their backdoor deals for personal gains. For the American XL situation, to continue on this path leads to ruin. Whereas Green energy creates jobs for all skill levels, reduces negative ecological impact, and protects natural resources actually needed to live - like water.
Germany has grabbed the fossil fuel addiction by the horns and said enough, while America kills its Green Energy bill as not being cost effective ... these are words that should sink in and make people want to take action. Not Cost Effective. Really? That's the pitch?
Germany invited countries to come and view the renewable energy efficient town of Feldheim to see how it can be done. Not one American representative even bothered to show up.
Here is the article that Francine, the German Culture editor turned me onto:
German Energy RevolutionFor those who believe that we do not have the technology check out the Animal Life blog site and
Test Your Knowledge. See if you can answer the 3 questions correctly before looking at the answers. The differences may shock you.