The benefits and costs (disadvantages) of developing the oil sands?

Question

Science assignment...

I am canadian... and we do have a lot of it... especially here in Alberta

Answer 1

Are you talking about the oil that is mixed with sand. There is allot of that. If we made a way to process that, we would have more oil and would not run out as fast, but we would pollute more. Because there would be more oil it would be cheaper, but not by much because it would cost allot to process it. But as for America, we would depend less on far away nations, and more on Canada (they have allot of it).

Answer 2

The down side to developing oil sands is that the process tends to produce lagoons of toxic, heavily polluted water. A lot more energy is required to produce a usable product.

Whilst it is commercially viable to refine it at the present I suspect that the current quest for alternate technology and fuel sources will overtake it far quicker than many may think. Also oil production at the present appears to be increasing quite quickly with US reserves unexpectedly high.

What seems like a good investment now is likely to use a lot of money to build plant which could quickly become unviable due to falling oil prices and usage and like nuclear the waste treatment could also prove very costly.

Answer 3

I personally don't trust the Moslem's and think we need to develop all sources of oil and coal. If we don't millions could die. they will eventually use it as a weapon. We need to look at all possibilities. in Texas we are starting getting oil from Cotton seed for diesel engines,and the remains of the seed is good for cattle food. Doing this in many small plants we will be able to reprocess all kinds of oil.
good luck