Toxic ponds kill ducks in Canada

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

OTTAWA (AFP) — Hundreds of migrating ducks are dead or dying in Canada's Alberta province after landing on sewage ponds polluted with toxic refuse left over from mining, officials said Wednesday.

As many as 500 ducks were dead or ailing after being coated with residue left behind in the ponds by Syncrude Canada Ltd., the world's largest producer of synthetic crude oil from oil sands.

The waterfowl were exposed to residual oil on the surface of a partially-frozen basin at Syncrude's Aurora North Site mine, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Fort McMurray, the company said in a statement.

"We're very saddened and sorry that this occurred," Syncrude president and chief executive Tom Katinas said.

He added that company efforts, in cooperation with...