Fort McMurray Urban Geology and Hazards

Project Goal

The AGS project team will use existing borehole data in the ERCB, Alberta Environment and municipal data stores to develop a detailed model of the subsurface geological conditions. We will use high-resolution LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor data to map the surface and landslide features. The municipality, province and industry can used the results of this study in planning for future development.

Project Background

The urban services area of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray) has expanded significantly over the past decade due to the rapid increase in mining activity in the Athabasca Oil Sands in northeastern Alberta. Development outward from the existing centre is not only constrained by the deeply incised Athabasca and Clearwater River valleys, but also by the complex geological conditions. Soluble bedrock in the subsurface, as well as large boulders near the surface deposited by an ancient glacial outburst flood, have led to significant issues with respect to the construction of tunnels or drilled installations. Landslides in the weak shales and glacial sediments also require consideration for residential development or infrastructure.

Collaborators
Alberta Transportation
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo