Is there widespread metal contamination from in-situ bitumen extraction at Cold Lake, Alberta heavy oil field?

► In-situ bitumen production is not causing regional metal contamination at Cold Lake. ► Sediment cores show post-industrial increases of Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations. ► These increased concentrations level off prior to large-scale bitumen extraction. ► One core demonstrated Cu and V increases concurrent with Cd, Pb and Hg increases. ► Soil samples collected near the oil field had minor metal enrichment.