Suncor has unveiled the first completed surface reclaimed tailings pond in the country north of Fort McMurray. The company calling it an industry milestone, showed off 225 hectares of land in front of a crowd of industry and government officials, including the premier.

More than 600,000 trees were planted, and the land shows off a fresh water pond.

"It's not only good for the company but it's good for oilsands development, good for the region, good for the province and most importantly for the country of Canada," said Suncor's CEO Rick George.

Suncor says the 225-hectare site was the company's first tailings pond dating back to 1967. It was closed nearly four years ago to begin the reclamation process.

"It's just absolutely incredible for us in terms of actually demonstrating that our commitment to get this back to a natural state...this is just one pond this is one step," said George.

But tailings ponds have been the target of widespread criticism. Less than three years ago, 1,600 ducks were killed on a Syncrude pond nearby.

And while critics feel Suncor's move is a step in the right direction, some say the sustainability of the areas are still questionable.

"We have more tailings today than we did last year. There are more toxins pouring onto Alberta's once pristine landscape everyday and this toxic stew of carcinogens and heavy metals continue to leech into the ground, poisoning our rivers and downstream communities," said Mike Hudema with Greenpeace.

Suncor has admitted this is just a first step and hopes new dry tailings technology will help reclaim all of its toxic ponds in the next few decades.

"I hope this will set the stage for future reclamation," said Chief Jim Boucher with the Fort McKay First Nation.

The premier hailed the reclamation as an historic achievement. But admits existing tailings ponds will continue to be a challenge for Alberta,

"Albertans are excellent innovators and I'm confident that one day tailings ponds as we know them will no longer exist," said Premier Ed Stelmach.

Recently, three influential U.S. senators wrapped up a tour of Alberta's oilsands. The premier flew to Fort McMurray with the trio of senators who are all part of a senate committee with a stake in Alberta oil.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss and North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan participated in the event, which included visits to Syncrude's oilsands facility, and Nexen's Long Lake in situ project and upgrader.

Stelmach also hopes to meet with Hollywood director James Cameron who has expressed an interest in touring the oilsands.

With files from Scott Roberts