: CNRL.com
A resource company in the Alberta energy sector is facing $278,000 in fines related to a breach of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA).
The fins stems from incidents that took place between May 21 and Aug 4 of 2022 which led to fatalities of birds in the area.
According to the Alberta Energy Regulator who has issued the fine, Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) a crude oil and gas company failed to “prevent a hazardous substance containing bitumen from coming into contact with birds and other wildlife.”
According to section 155 of the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act:
“A person who keeps, stores or transports a hazardous
substance or pesticide shall do so in a manner that ensures that the
hazardous substance or pesticide does not directly or
indirectly come into contact with or contaminate any animals,
plants, food or drink.”
According to the director’s decision report, an island had emerged in 2021 which was in CNRL’s Horizon Oil Sands mining operation tailings facility.
At that time, no bird nests were found on the island and it submerged under water again.
In 2022, according to the report CNRL discovered 271 California gull nests and one Canada goose nest on the island, then on June 7 CNRL first notified the AER of the formation of the island. Then on July 12 CNRL notified the AER of evidence that it had contravened section 155 of the EPEA when it reported that California gull chicks were discovered to be oiled. On Aug. 4 California the gull chicks became flight capable and left the island, as outlined.
Throughout the duration of the incident CNRL reported 411 bird fatalities at or near the tailings facility. Coyotes and Wolves which also accessed the island were also affected according to the report.
CNRL did not take all reasonable steps to prevent wildlife from coming into contact with the process affected water and bitumen as per Tyler Callicot, the AER director of enforcement.
A full copy of the report can be found here.
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