The IRMP examines how cumulative impacts are affecting the Delta. While not able to determine direct causality, we are able to define the main stressors to the Delta system. Multiple large-scale environmental pressures are driving change:

‍Hydroelectric development is altering water availability in the Delta
Hydroelectric projects like the new Site C dam on the Peace River - operational in September 2024 - disrupt natural ice-jamming that replenishes Delta wetlands, altering the Delta’s natural water availability.

Climate change is drying out the landscape
The region has experienced six of the hottest years on record, leading to net moisture loss through increased evapotranspiration. Timing of ice formation and melt, precipitation type and amount, and river flow are all changing.

Oil sands extraction is polluting and overusing water
Extracting and processing bitumen along the Athabasca River has intensified water use and ecosystem risks. Oil sands operations now withdraw hundreds of millions of cubic meters annually, produce enormous volumes of toxic tailings, and have led to major spills, all of which threaten Indigenous livelihoods, rights and the health of the Delta.

Governance issues are major contributors to the degradation of the Delta:

‍Inadequate regulation of tailings from oil sands operations
‍Wastewater from bitumen contains harmful chemicals. Despite growing risks and the growing occurrence of major seeps and spills, current regulations have failed to stop leaks or ensure long-term cleanup

‍Ineffective regional plans to protect water quality
‍Existing environmental plans meant to manage industrial development and water pollution in the region are not being enforced or updated based on evidence

‍Unclear and overlapping government responsibilities
‍Multiple government agencies share responsibility for managing water in the region, resulting in confusion, inaction, and gaps in enforcement

‍Exclusion of Indigenous Knowledge from planning
‍Indigenous communities, who have lived on and stewarded the land for generations, are often left out of environmental decision-making, despite repeated calls for inclusion

‍Lack of funding for environmental monitoring
‍Programs meant to track the health of the Delta are chronically underfunded, especially those involving Indigenous-led monitoring, limiting the ability to detect and respond to harm