Nearly 100 birds dead after landing in Alberta tailings ponds
Vincent McDermott, QMI Agency
First posted: Thursday, November 06, 2014 09:44 AM EST | Updated: Thursday, November 06, 2014 09:52 AM EST
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - The Alberta Energy Regulator is investigating after nearly 100 birds landed in tailings ponds operated by three oilsands companies on Tuesday and died.
A statement from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) provided no specific details, but said staff were sent to the scene to monitor compliance.
The agency did not have an exact number of how many birds were killed.
Canadian Natural Resources (CNRL) confirmed “approximately 60” waterfowl were killed at its Horizon project. Syncrude said 30 birds were killed at their Mildred Lake facility, while Suncor confirmed six birds had landed in their tailings pond.
Shell Canada and Imperial Oil, who also operate tailings ponds in the area, reported no deaths.
CNRL said their wildlife protection systems were functioning, but fog, poor visibility and late migration was a factor in the deaths.
Syncrude spokesman Will Gibson said the company noticed more birds than usual were heading to the area.
Syncrude’s deterrent system went on high alert and the company increased the amount of staff on duty.
“To have this happen is disappointing,” Gibson said. “Any harm to the environment and wildlife is unacceptable.”
Syncrude, which operates one of the largest oilsands sites north of Fort McMurray, was fined $3 million after more than 1,600 ducks landed on a tailings pond in 2008.
In 2010, more than 550 birds died or had to be euthanized when an early winter storm forced the birds to land on tailings ponds belonging to Syncrude and Suncor. No charges were laid in that case.
Energy companies are required by law to keep birds off the toxic waste ponds, which include an array of chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxic compounds and elements.
A former active tailings pond viewed from Highway 63, with a Syncrude Canada facility in the background. VINCENT MCDERMOTT/TODAY STAFF
Nearly 100 birds dead after landing in Alberta tailings ponds | Canada | News |
Vincent McDermott, QMI Agency
First posted: Thursday, November 06, 2014 09:44 AM EST | Updated: Thursday, November 06, 2014 09:52 AM EST
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - The Alberta Energy Regulator is investigating after nearly 100 birds landed in tailings ponds operated by three oilsands companies on Tuesday and died.
A statement from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) provided no specific details, but said staff were sent to the scene to monitor compliance.
The agency did not have an exact number of how many birds were killed.
Canadian Natural Resources (CNRL) confirmed “approximately 60” waterfowl were killed at its Horizon project. Syncrude said 30 birds were killed at their Mildred Lake facility, while Suncor confirmed six birds had landed in their tailings pond.
Shell Canada and Imperial Oil, who also operate tailings ponds in the area, reported no deaths.
CNRL said their wildlife protection systems were functioning, but fog, poor visibility and late migration was a factor in the deaths.
Syncrude spokesman Will Gibson said the company noticed more birds than usual were heading to the area.
Syncrude’s deterrent system went on high alert and the company increased the amount of staff on duty.
“To have this happen is disappointing,” Gibson said. “Any harm to the environment and wildlife is unacceptable.”
Syncrude, which operates one of the largest oilsands sites north of Fort McMurray, was fined $3 million after more than 1,600 ducks landed on a tailings pond in 2008.
In 2010, more than 550 birds died or had to be euthanized when an early winter storm forced the birds to land on tailings ponds belonging to Syncrude and Suncor. No charges were laid in that case.
Energy companies are required by law to keep birds off the toxic waste ponds, which include an array of chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxic compounds and elements.
A former active tailings pond viewed from Highway 63, with a Syncrude Canada facility in the background. VINCENT MCDERMOTT/TODAY STAFF
Nearly 100 birds dead after landing in Alberta tailings ponds | Canada | News |
