Canadian Natural Resources logo is shown at the company's annual meeting in Calgary on May 4, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
A major oilsands producer has been fined for not stopping birds from nesting on an island in one of its tailings ponds.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. has been assessed the fine of $278,000 by the Alberta Energy Regulator.
The regulator says the company knew by May 21, 2022, that more than 270 birds were nesting on the island and didn’t tell authorities until more than two weeks later.
Although the company tried to keep the birds away, the measures didn’t work and, by mid-July, chicks were being oiled in their nests.
Other animals were also making their way onto the island.
The regulator found the company should have levelled the island when it first appeared, as it usually does.
The regulator also says the company should have told it earlier about the problem and should have put in proper deterrence once the birds were found.
The fine was reduced for the company’s efforts to fence off the island and prevent chicks from getting into the tailings water, which is toxic.
