Tar sands project brings objections by environmentalists

SALT LAKE CITY — An environmental group is asking state water quality regulators to revisit their decision to issue a groundwater discharge permit related to a tar sands project on the border of Uintah and Grand counties.

In a petition for agency action submitted to the state Department of Environmental Quality, Moab-based Living Rivers is contesting the February issuance of the permit to Earth Energy Resources.

The PR Springs Mine, as proposed by the Canada-based company, would occupy a 213-acre site and involves the mining of enough tar sands to extract 2,000 barrels of bitumen on a daily basis. The life of the mine is expected to be seven years.

The heaviest and thickest form of petroleum, bitumen is thicker than molasses and has been used in industrial applications such as roofing and asphalt paving. It can be converted into fuel by processes that have long brought skepticism because some say the technologies have been prohibitively expensive and unproven.

But Earth Energy Resources' vice president has told regulators the project would not be pursued if it wouldn't generate revenue.

In its proposal, the company plans to use a chemical extraction method on the mined tar sands, which has brought objections by environmentalists worried about groundwater contamination from both the mining and extraction processes.

Although there is no "live" water in the area, Living Rivers contends if contamination of an underground aquifer is a risk the state should not be willing to assume.

In its petition to the state Division of Water Quality, organization said the issuance of the permit was "unlawful" and that the determination of minimal groundwater contamination was "arbitrary and capricious."

Living Rivers says the company plans to use an extremely condensed form of oil in the extraction process. Derived from citrus peels, the oil is used in cosmetics and perfumes. At near full strength, it used to degrease parts and tools.

Although the oil would be mixed with water, Living Rivers says the extraction concentration has not been publicly disclosed by the company.

Additionally, the group said the disturbance of tar sands would stir up "highly carcinogenic" petrochemicals that would pose a risk to the environment.

An environmental consultant hired by Earth Energy Resources has advised state regulators that the mining operation's design has incorporated the necessary safeguards and controls related to the potential risks to groundwater, including a storm water containment system.

Environmentalists have also challenged the project's permitting process under the purview of the state Division of Oil, Gas and Mining.

e-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com