Health horrors cited in Alta oilsands at session by anti-pipeline U.S. senators

WASHINGTON – Horror stories about the Alberta oilsands’ impact on human health are being shared today in Washington, D.C.

A pair of anti-Keystone XL senators have invited witnesses to provide anecdotes about the effect on people near sites where the oil is extracted, transported and refined.

They hope these human-interest stories might influence the Obama administration as it prepares its final decision on the Keystone XL pipeline.

One of the speakers at the event is John O’Connor, an Alberta doctor.

He first went public in 2006 with concerns about what he considered to be elevated cancer rates around Fort Chipewyan, Alta.

Many of the 1,200 residents believe their proximity to oilsands development and major forestry mills in Fort McMurray have led to contamination of water and wildlife and a higher rate of cancer and other illnesses.