Reaction to the Alberta oil spill

This weekend's update on the oil spill in central Alberta drew a good number of comments - as well as a fair amount of skepticism - from the CBC Community.

On Sunday, Stephen Bart, vice president of crude oil operations for Plains Midstream Canada, said the spill of about 3,000 barrels of oil was mostly contained.

And today, the company said there have been few reports of animals in distress because of the spill.

This comment from Warhippy typifies the skepticism of many commenters:

"I would not give much credence or faith into anything said by an oil company. Especially after they themselves said there was almost no possible way to contain the bulk of it due to the amount of rain falling and near flooding of the area affected by the spill.

"Originally they said they were on it immediately, even though it took two days after the spill for crews to start cleaning up. And, of course, they said there was no issue and no health risk, but are now shutting down the taps and trucking in potable drinking water as well."

In reply, Drydocked said that the apparent contradictions could be explained.

"You contain the spill then implement cleanup and recovery. When they were trying to contain it, they could not say it was contained. Now they have contained it so they can say it is contained.

"Now that the water is getting to where it may be withdrawn for drinking, there is a health concern. The response has been rapid, effective, and efficient. Without the measures take, this would be a lot worse."

Many commenters were skeptical of the oil industry in general.

• "Don't trust anything an oil company has to say on any topic," said Burnt Weeny.
  
  
• "This happens just as Enbridge has begun airing its 'feel good about oil pipelines' propaganda on TV and in print advertising campaign. Quit delaying. Let's get on with public hearings about tar sands development plans and oil and the industry's true environmental record," said elypst.
  
  
• "All PR, and no real tangible action, the norm for the petroleum industry. It is obvious the petroleum industry has way too much profit, if it can afford to waste it on PR firms, lobbyists and buying politicians," said Prmnitdumpbaby.

Some in the comments were pointing fingers not at Plains Midstream but at government for its role.

•  "Why are we getting updates from the company that spilled the oil? Shouldn't Environment Canada be the organization that tells us if the oil contaminating our lake is contained or not?" said DarrylLamb.
  
  
• "OK, the way this story reads it sounds like the company, Plains Midstream Canada, did everything reasonable regarding the procedures following the spill. That's great. But where is Alberta Environment? Where is the Alberta Government? They are only mentioned at the very end, and in reference to 'anecdotal' stories of affected wildlife. Albertans deserve better government services than that!" said FarLeft.

A few members of the CBC Community commended Plains Midstream for the clean up.

• "Good work, Plains. Western Canadians appreciate your efforts and trust the clean-up will be thorough," said peteshair.
  
  
• On the other hand, "it would have been much better 'good work,' if the thing had never leaked, or if they had caught it before 3,000 barrels got away. If I understand correctly, this is the second recent, substantial leak for Plains Midstream ," replied RichardMcDonell.