The Alberta government is investigating why mandatory deterrents failed to prevent 500 migrating birds from landing on a toxic tailings pond used in oilsands development north of Fort McMurray.
While the health of the entire flock isn't yet known, several birds - most likely ducks - are heavily covered in oil, the province revealed Tuesday. The birds remain stuck in the oil-slick pond, which is partially frozen. It's unlikely many will survive, the province said.
"This is a tragedy. This is unacceptable," Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner said at the legislature Tuesday. The province was alerted to the incident at Syncrude's Aurora North Site mine facility by a tipster on Monday night.
About 20 birds die a year in northern Alberta's tailings ponds, the province said. Never has the government encountered such a large number of impacted birds, Renner added. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development workers are currently at the oilsands facility to ensure more birds don't land in the tailings pond.
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i think this is a tradegy. Animals are dying and are unable to survive the oil. I think we show of done more to prevented this situation. There have been past events that have occured like this one. The animals do not know what it is exactly happening to them. Tjat is why should should fully investigate this siuation and find a way to prevent this from happening adagin.
i agree. people are the custodians of the earth and we should be responsible for it.
I'm always glad to hear that.