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Duck deaths on Syncrude tailings pond
Nov 15, 2010 09:20 AM
Status: Victory
Syncrude was found guilty in the death of more than 1,600 ducks that died after landing in one of their tailings ponds. They agreed to pay a $3 million penalty for the deaths.
On June 25, 2010, Syncrude was found guilty of failing to take adequate measures to prevent the death of more than 1,600 ducks that died after landing in a tailings pond north of Fort McMurray. Syncrude eventually agreed to pay $3 million in fines.
The win successfully closes a case that Ecojustice first brought forward in 2009 when federal and provincial authorities appeared to delay taking action. Both governments subsequently laid charges, which ultimately led to the guilty verdict against Syncrude.
Syncrude was found guilty of allowing hazardous substances to contact animals under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and guilty of depositing hazardous substances in an area frequented by migratory birds under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.
On October 22nd, 2010, Syncrude agreed to pay $3 million in fines, the largest in Canadian history for an environmental offence.
Ecojustice staff:
"This decision confirms that tar sands operators must take responsibility for their actions."
- Barry Robinson, staff lawyer
Barry Robinson- Barry Robinson, staff lawyer
Our client:
Private citizen
Private citizen
