Why Tar Sands Are Not All Good: The Pros and Cons With oil prices constantly fluctuating, there is a need to find cheaper alternatives. affordable doesn't always relate to something good and positive, however. tar sands, for example, is considered a potential energy source that is economically feasible at its current prices, but with major trade offs. The oil sands in Alberta for instance produce toxic sludge that can have catastrophic environmental impact, as it can contaminate alberta's groundwater. So tar sands are not only a source of energy, but also a source of problems. List of Pros of Tar Sands Provide a new source of oil The Tar sands in Canada are considered the world's second largest oil field that offers a new and abundant supply. …show more content…
This makes tar sands a game changer, in a playing field where oil companies have dominated for a long time. Economically feasible In the past, the cost of production, refinement and transportation of oil from tar sands is quite expensive because of the lack of technology. But because of increasing oil prices, investors are now looking into the potential of oil sands as an alternative source, making extraction and all other processes economically feasible and profitable. Provides job opportunities The construction of facilities and pipe lines alone would require plenty of workers to complete, opening a wide range of job opportunities. Employees would also be needed to ship materials and goods to the mining areas and to run on-site operations. All of these will help increase available employment where tar sands are located. List of Cons of Tar Sands Demands more energy A lot of processes are involved in harvesting oil from tar pits. this would mean the use of plenty of machinery will require a substantial amount of energy. The mere process of pulling oil out and up to the surface uses more machinery and energy than conventional drilling. the cost of refinement is also higher than other oil