Demo
Tailings Ponds · Methane Mitigation · Autonomous Platforms

Turning methane-emitting tailings ponds into measured, manageable, and mitigated systems.

MossTurtle is an intelligent floating platform that continuously detects and mitigates methane emissions across 110 km² of oil sands tailings ponds - reducing regulatory risk, TIER costs, and methane footprints.

110 km²  of methane-active pond surface
Up to 45% of regional CH₄  from ponds
NGO flyovers: 50–100% higher  than reported
Each tonne of methane avoided under TIER saves up to $2,660 in CO₂e costs.
The Problem

Tailings ponds: massive methane factories, lightly measured.

Oil sands tailings ponds are a proven blind spot in GHG inventories. Methane is measured infrequently, aggregated at facility level, and mitigation options at the pond surface are almost non-existent.

Under-monitored
Yearly snapshots on a dynamic system
Emissions are usually measured only once per year using flux chambers, covering tiny areas of heterogeneous, shifting pond surfaces. Seasonal thaw, changing water levels, and microbial dynamics are missed.
NGO data: 50–100% higher than reports
Unmitigated
Once water hits the pond, it’s on its own
Tailings ponds are largely treated as passive storage. There are no systematic, pond-level methane mitigations today. Microbes convert organics into methane in oxygen-poor conditions – continuously.
Anaerobic, methane-producing environments
High stakes
Regulatory, TIER & reputational risk
Methane has ~28× the global warming potential of CO₂. Under TIER, each tonne of CH₄ is equivalent to ~$2,660 in CO₂e cost exposure, on top of NGO scrutiny, community impact, and regulatory pressure.
$95 / tCO₂e TIER price 1200+ kt CO₂e / yr from ponds
Our Solution

Intelligent floating platforms that detect, decide, and act.

MossTurtle combines real-time methane sensing, targeted mitigation, and AI-driven autonomy into a fleet of robust, solar-powered platforms built for tailings environments.

Real-time methane intelligence

1. Detect methane continuously

  • High-sensitivity CH₄ sensor suite with GPS + IMU for spatial mapping.
  • Autonomous navigation patterns to cover complex pond geometries.
  • Secure communications to base station and other MossTurtles.
  • Live spatial + temporal methane heat maps accessible via web dashboard & API.

2. Mitigate at the source

When MossTurtle detects high CH₄, it automatically triggers onboard mitigation.

Aeration
Adds oxygen, shifting microbes away from methanogenesis toward less potent CO₂ pathways.
Redox reactions
Electrochemical or oxidant-based breakdown of organics feeding methane generation.
Methanotrophs
Targeted bio-additives that consume methane before it escapes to the atmosphere.
Modular – choose or combine methods by pond
AI-triggered – mitigation only where needed
Scalable – fleets across multiple ponds
AI-optimized autonomy

3. Learn and optimize over time

  • AI models trained on pond-specific data to predict methane spikes.
  • Adaptive routing to focus coverage on the highest-risk zones.
  • Fleet coordination across large ponds and portfolios.
  • Scenario modeling for “what-if” pond management decisions.
Technology roadmap

MossTurtle is currently at TRL 2, with a clear path to non-autonomous pilots and full autonomous deployment.

Now · TRL 2
Detailed CH₄ data & technology selection
Partner datasets guide analyzer choice & initial mitigation strategy.
Next
Prototype build & non-autonomous pilot
Lab and controlled-pond testing, followed by a field pilot on an oil sands pond.
Then
Autonomous fleets & commercial rollout
AI-driven fleets deployed across multiple ponds, tied to TIER credit outcomes.
Why MossTurtle

Safer, smarter, and more capital-efficient than the alternatives.

Existing options either do the bare minimum (yearly measurement) or require heavy infrastructure for waste management. MossTurtle offers a flexible, scalable middle path built specifically for methane.

A win-win business model aligned with outcomes

Hardware
Platforms sold or leased near cost to accelerate deployment.

Software & Data
Annual licenses for dashboards, APIs, and methane analytics.

Profit-Sharing on TIER Credits
We share in the upside from verifiable methane reductions.

Built for operators, regulators, and communities

  • Continuous monitoring instead of single annual snapshots.
  • Active mitigation – not just measurement and reporting.
  • Improved safety – fewer labour-intensive, high-risk pond visits.
  • Regulatory-ready data – traceable, source-level methane records.
  • Scalable fleets – from a single pond to full portfolios.
  • Reputational resilience – proactive response to NGO & community concerns.
The team

MossTurtle is led by a cross-functional team with deep experience in methane mitigation, product development, AI & autonomy, and regulatory frameworks – supported by mentors and partners with cleantech backgrounds.

Get in touch

Ready to explore a MossTurtle pilot on your tailings pond?

We’re building an early partner program with operators, regulators, and environmental stakeholders across the Athabasca region.

Join the early access & pilot partner program.
Secure a spot to influence our roadmap, access detailed methane analytics, and quantify TIER savings for your sites.