Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. was fined CAD 278,000 for failing to prevent wildlife exposure to toxins in a tailings pond, resulting in 411 dead birds.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) has been fined CAD 278,000 by the Alberta Energy Regulator for failing to prevent birds, wolves, and coyotes from being exposed to toxins in one of its tailings ponds. The incident occurred in 2022 when a company worker discovered an island had formed in the pond, but did not level it as required. The regulator's report found that CNRL’s actions had "a direct and severely negative effect on wildlife." The company eventually installed bird deterrents and fencing to mitigate the situation, but in the interim, 411 dead birds were found at or near the tailings facility.
July 15, 2024
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