The Saskatchewan Environmental Society obtained data from the Saskatchewan government that shows average pH levels for rain and snow in the La Loche area, just west of Fort McMurray, Alberta, are 4.93. According to Environment Canada any value less than five falls under the definition for acid rain.

Alberta's oilands emit more than 150,000 tonnes nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide, acid-rain-causing gases, every year. Increased soil acid damages tree roots and leaches nutrients too deep for plants to use. Sufficient acid rain kills all lake species.

Up to 70 percent of this oilsands air pollution crosses the provincial boundary. Canadian federal regulation and policy regulates acid rain, including acid rain from oilsands emissions.