Greenpeace demands inquiry into Alberta oilsands duck deaths
Last Updated: Monday, May 5, 2008 | 3:34 PM ET
CBC News
Greenpeace spokesman Mike Hudema stands on the steps of the Alberta legislature calling for an independant inquiry into the deaths of hundreds of ducks last week at an oilsands plant near Fort McMurray. (CBC)Greenpeace Canada is demanding a public inquiry into the deaths last week of migratory ducks at an oilsands tailings pond in northern Alberta.
Hundred of ducks died after landing on a pond at Syncrude's Aurora North Site mine, north of Fort McMurray. Only a handful were rescued and most of them died after being covered in the oily residue.
Greenpeace spokesman Mike Hudema told a news conference on the steps of the Alberta legislature Monday that it's becoming evident that the 500 ducks reported by the company represent just a fraction of the wildlife affected by the oilsands plant.
"To believe that an industry is going to report every single incident, every single spill, every single death that occurs is simply putting way too much faith in that industry," Hudema said.
Volunteers at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Edmonton treat one of the oil-coated ducks sent to the centre from Fort McMurray. (CBC)ConocoPhillips Canada reported Saturday that eight birds, including three loons, had settled on a pond at the company's oilsands project northeast of Fort McMurray.
As part of the investigation, Greenpeace wants wildlife experts to search waste ponds at other oilsands plants in northern Alberta for birds that may have landed there and died.
His group also called for a ban on building any new waste ponds until the environmental issues are dealt with.
Greenpeace has been a leader in raising concerns about the impact of Alberta's oilsands plants.
Last month activists from the group disrupted a fundraising dinner held by Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach by dropping from a convention centre catwalk and unfurling a banner reading, "Stelmach: the best premier oil money can buy."
