Canadian authorities are monitoring the deaths of endangered species in tailings ponds

Canadian authorities continue to monitor the situation after 32 birds were found dead in Suncor’s tailings ponds.

A total of 27 birds were found dead in the pond at the Mildred Lake project in Alberta, including seven great crested grebes, a small species of endangered waterfowl. Another five great crested grebes were found in a pond at Suncor’s Millenium mine site.

The Mildred Lake project, part of Suncor’s Syncrude joint venture, has been in operation since 1978 and is the largest single emitter of greenhouse gases in Canada. Suncor produced 675,100 barrels per day (bpd) in the first quarter of 2023.

A statement from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) said: “On May 13, an AER inspector visited the Mildred Lake site to gather and review information and to assess the bird control systems in place.” The AER ensures that at responding to the incident, all safety and environmental requirements are met.”

Because waterfowl often mistake toxic tailings ponds for bodies of water, site operators use tactics such as sonic cannons and effigies to deter birds. However, Suncor and Syncrude have a history of bird landings in tailing sand ponds.

This is the second case of dead waterfowl found at Suncor-operated sites in 2024. In April, 43 birds were found dead at Suncor’s tailings pond at the base mine site. The AER announced this Investigate the deathsbut it has only increased criticism of the AER from groups, including local indigenous communities.

In April, AER chief executive Laurie Pushor apologized for a nine-month failure by regulators to notify Indigenous communities about toxic spills from tailings dams. Initial reports of discolored water at Imperial’s Kearl Oil Sands project were reported in May 2022, but it was not until February 2023 that communities were informed that it was the result of a tailings spill.

Pushor stated: “It is clear that neither Imperial nor AER have lived up to the community’s expectations to ensure they are fully aware of what is happening.”