Rising water demands in Tar Sands threaten famous Canadian Heritage River:
Alberta's Clearwater River

TORONTO, April 8 /CNW/ - Opti-Nexen, a large steam plant operator in the oil sands, wants to withdraw 17,000 cubic meters of water a day from Alberta's Clearwater River. The Clearwater is culturally significant, receiving its "Heritage River" designation in recognition of the Clearwater's unspoiled beauty and historical importance.

Opti-Nexen failed to meet water-use targets. The company predicted it would need two barrels of steam to produce one barrel of bitumen. It actuality requires six barrels. Opti-Nexen now hopes to draw from Clearwater River.

Read the full story at www.waterkeeper.ca. (Full URL: http://www.waterkeeper.ca/2010/04/07/clearwater)

For further information: Ruth Kleinbub: resident fighting for the river's protection: [phone]; Mark Mattson: environmental lawyer, co-founder of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper: [phone]