Greenpeace responds to bird deaths at toxic Syncrude tailings pond

30 April 2008

Edmonton, Canada — In yet another example of the deadly implications of Alberta’s rampant tar sands development, more than 500 birds are dead or dying in the toxic Syncrude tailing pond at the Aurora North site, despite the fact that the law requires a bird management system be in place to deter the birds from landing on the toxic ponds.

Greenpeace Canada is particularly concerned that Syncrude itself did not report this incident, which was instead called in late Monday night by an anonymous tipster.

“Today we have 500 more canaries and 500 more reasons why we need to put the brakes to this project,” said Greenpeace Tar Sands Campaigner Mike Hudema. “The fact that this devastating incident wasn’t reported by Syncrude begs the question of how many other incidents have been quietly covered up to safeguard their image. This speaks to the inadequacies of the government’s ability to monitor even the most basic environmental safeguards put on tar sands development. The relationship between industry and government in this province is much too close for comfort and this is a perfect – if tragic – example of exactly that.”

While the provincial government is threatening penalties of up to $1 million if their investigation finds Syncrude responsible for this incident, Hudema hopes they will include themselves in that investigation as well.

For more information, please contact:

Jessica Wilson, Media and Public Relations Officer, 778-228-5404
Mike Hudema, Tar Sands Campaigner, 780-430-9202 or 780-504-5601