causing this eyesore stretch of sand

You seem to assume the reader understands the process. To the uninitiated, it sounds like the water is a byproduct of the separation. - A.

AvangiYou seem to assume the reader understands the process

Yes. It has been explained before.

AvangiTo the uninitiated,

What does this mean?

Avangiit sounds like the water is a byproduct of the separation

That's correct.

"uninitiated" = a person who has no knowledge or experience of what you're talking about.

By "byproduct" I mean in the sense that water is a biproduct of the combustion of hydrocarbons. I suspect that water is added as a new ingredient in the separation process.

Best regards, - A. (take your pick on the spelling - sorry, I'll look it up.) Edit. "by" is correct.

AvangiBy "byproduct" I mean in the sense that water is a biproduct of the combustion of hydrocarbons. I suspect that water is added as a new ingredient in the separation process.

I see your point. That's not what I intended. Which part of the sentence suggests that? And how to correct it?

Don't try to use "eyesore" as an adjective - it's a noun. Causing this stretch of sand, whic his such an eyesore.

Perhaps, "The water [that's been] used in the process of separating oil from oil sands etc."

(The water from separating oil from oil sands) When I read this, I get, "When you separate oil from oil sands, water is given off."

- A.

Thanks, GG and Avangi.