Terms of Reference

Identifying Research Requirements for the Biological Effects of Oil and Gas Industry-Related Contaminants on Aquatic Ecosystems

National Peer Review – National Capital Region

March 26-27, 2014
Ottawa, ON

Chairperson: Gilles Olivier

Context

In light of increasing oil and gas resource development in Canada, there is increased potential for aquatic contamination resulting from both routine operations and accidental releases. Given that oil and gas contaminants can have deleterious effects on aquatic biota, and that the industry is currently growing and evolving, it is necessary to determine the gaps in the current knowledge base on the biological effects of these contaminants on aquatic ecosystems. Ultimately, this information will guide future research efforts in support of ecologically sound decision-making.

Aquatic contamination may occur at multiple phases in oil and gas production:

Extraction – While some research has been conducted to assess the potential biological effects of offshore oil platforms (e.g. drilling muds, core cuttings, and produced water), other extraction methods such as oil sands mining and hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) warrant further investigation for biological effects.

Processing and Transportation – Transportation of diluted bitumen is expected to increase in the near future, thus potential biological effects of accidental releases of condensate and diluted bitumen need to be characterized.  Research pertaining to the biological effects of tanker crude oil spills on marine ecosystems is a high priority for the Department and the Government of Canada. In addition, there is an increasing need to assess potential impacts of accidental releases from overland transportation (i.e. rail and pipeline) in various environments.

Spill response – Chemical dispersants (e.g. Corexit) may be used in the event of accidental releases, thus it is necessary to understand potential biological effects.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) – National Contaminants Advisory Group (NCAG) administers funds to facilitate external research on priority issues pertaining to the biological effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems, and provides evidence-based advice to departmental and external clients. It is anticipated that NCAG will devote significant departmental resources to research on biological effects of oil and gas contaminants on aquatic ecosystems during the next 5 years, and therefore requires science expertise to identify knowledge gaps.

Objectives

The objective of the meeting is to identify research requirements relating to the biological effects of oil and gas industry contaminants on aquatic biota relevant to the DFO mandate (invertebrates, fish, marine mammals, and sea turtles, but not birds), based on current and anticipated resource development activities, and on the current state of scientific knowledge.

Participants will critically review the working paper:

“Literature Review on the Aquatic Toxicology of Crude Oil: An Overview of Toxic Components and the Acute and Chronic Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms”.

Specifically, participants will collectively validate three main sections from the literature review based on their respective expertise and regional knowledge:

1. Identification of contaminants from oil and gas activities;
2. Biological effects on fish, invertebrates, marine animals, and ecosystem-scale impacts;
3. Knowledge gaps pertaining to bitumen, crude oil, condensate, and chemical dispersants.

The resulting peer review proceedings and research document will guide future research facilitated by NCAG, which will in turn inform sound decision-making relating to ecological impacts.

Expected Publications

• Workshop Proceedings
• Research Document

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO, Ecosystems and Oceans Science Sector, FPP, CCG, Oceans)
• Environment Canada
• Academia or Academics
• Industry Representatives
• Environmental Consultants
• International Experts