Environment Canada: Syncrude Canada Ltd. Charged for Migratory Bird Deaths

Market Wire, February, 2009

Environment Canada has charged Syncrude Canada Ltd. under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

Syncrude is charged with one count under subsection 5.1(1) of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA) for allegedly depositing or permitting the deposit of a substance harmful to migratory birds in waters or an area frequented by birds.

The charge stems from an investigation initiated after approximately 500 waterfowl were found in the middle of a Syncrude tailings pond on April 28, 2008. Environment Canada officers investigated this incident along with Alberta Environment and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Canada geese, diving and dabbler ducks are the main species of waterfowl found in the general area. All of the oiled birds died. This was the single largest reported incident of oiled birds in the oilsands region.

The maximum penalty on summary conviction for each offence under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, is a fine of $300,000, or six months imprisonment, or both.

The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and its regulations ensure the conservation of migratory bird populations by regulating potentially harmful human activities.

First court appearance is set for March 25, 2009 in Provincial Court in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

(Egalement offert en francais)

Contacts: Office of the Minister of the Environment Frederic Baril Press Secretary 819-997-1441 Environment Canada Media Relations 819-934-8008 1-888-908-8008 www.ec.gc.ca