First Nations in Alberta want Ottawa to classify compound found in oilsands tailings as toxic
![First Nations in Alberta want Ottawa to classify compound found in oilsands tailings as toxic](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7143511.1710420373!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/teachers-oilsands-20120512.jpg)
![This Sept. 19, 2011 aerial photo shows a tar sands tailings pond at a mine facility near Fort McMurray, Alta. An industry-funded program that offers high school teachers a six-day trip to Fort McMurray to An aerial view of a water of body surrounded by a brown landscape. Smoke stacks are visible.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7143511.1710420373!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/teachers-oilsands-20120512.jpg)
Two First Nations in Alberta have asked the federal government to examine whether a component of oilsands tailings pond water known to harm fish and other animals should be classed as toxic.