GAINING PERSPECTIVE: WHAT DO AFFECTED PERSONS THINK ABOUT OIL SANDS PROCESS-AFFECTED WATER REMEDIATION USING CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS ENHANCED BY GENOMICS?

Effective oil sands remediation requires integrated and holistic knowledge of the problems and potential solutions that can only be acquired through participation and input from affected persons. Mining of Alberta's oil sands consists of water-intensive processes such as hot water extraction, resulting in large quantities of contaminated oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) stored in tailings ponds that require remediation before release. Hence, as mining projects advance, the need for sound policy and improved methods for remediation and release intensifies. Constructed treatment wetland systems (CTWS) have been identified as a viable remediation option, and genomics can be employed to optimize microbial activity, enhancing remediation efficacy. However, researchers have paid limited attention to the priorities and values held by those affected by OSPW remediation and particularly to CTWS enhanced by genomics. To address this gap, I co-designed and performed this research with affected persons, including Indigenous Peoples, oil and gas industry employees, scientists studying CTWS and genomics, and regulators and policymakers considering OSPW remediation. My sequential mixed-method research used a literature review, media review, and focus groups to examine opinions on CTWS and genomics for OSPW remediation and to build a Q-methodology concourse and Q-set for future research to systematically study participant viewpoints. This study found that affected persons have a wide range of opinions about CTWS and genomics in the context of OSPW remediation. They identified barriers to participating in discussions and decisions about CTWS and genomics, the main ones being confusion around proposed technologies and inadequate communications, which can inform future community engagement processes through recommendations. Some affected persons supported CTWS and genomics when methods were piloted, when they knew CTWS and genomics had been used in other applications, and when they knew research was underway or completed. Conversely, affected persons argued that information about CTWS and genomics is sparse and that there is no evidence that CTWS and genomics will not harm the environment, wildlife, or human health and culture. Novel findings were the conflict between affected persons from regulatory bodies and affected persons in industry around placement and continuity of CTWS after a mine is closed, and affected persons’ assertions that wetlands have a spirit. Cultural Theory’s purpose is to use the typology of five ways of organization to categorize, examine, and critique deliberative quality in engagement with affected persons, noting that the most robust solutions to the most challenging problems emerge when all five solidarities are sought and blended in solution generation. In this study, Cultural Theory’s three active solidarities—individualism, hierarchy, and egalitarianism—were observed, while fatalism and autonomy emerged when some participants considered perspectives others might hold. I witnessed synergies between the solidarities, suggesting a capacity for clumsy solutions that incorporate voices from all concerned; however, solidarities are missing in decision-making around remediation policy for OSPW. More research is needed, particularly with local communities, to capture and explore the perspectives of those significantly affected by OSPW remediation. These affected persons could pursue the goals of maximizing accessibility of information and conversations as well as responsiveness to each other’s concerns to enhance deliberative quality and implement robust solutions.

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