Syncrude cannot duck from charges in death of 500 waterfowl

Private prosecution launched against oil company after governments ‘stall’

Edmonton — One of Canada’s largest oil companies is under legal fire today for causing the death of several hundred ducks in a massive toxic tailings pond in Alberta’s  Tar Sands last year. Ecojustice lawyer Barry Robinson launched a private prosecution against Syncrude Canada on behalf of concerned Alberta resident, Jeh Custer. 

Custer, a representative of Sierra Club Canada, is taking legal action to ensure the oily death of hundreds of ducks in northern Alberta does not become status quo in the Tar Sands. Last spring, approximately 500 ducks died after landing on one of Syncrude’s tailings ponds which cover more than 50 square kilometres north of Fort McMurray.