AER Responding to Waterfowl Deaths at a Syncrude Site in the Fort McMurray Area

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Aug. 8, 2015) - The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is responding to reports of approximately 30 blue heron fatalities on the Syncrude Canada Mildred Lake oil sands mine site north of Fort McMurray.

The AER has sent investigators to the site and is assessing the situation. The cause of death of the birds is being investigated.

The AER is working with departments from the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada and the company to ensure that all safety, wildlife, and environmental requirements are met during the response to the incident.

All oil sands mines wildlife deterrent programs, including Syncrude Canada's Mildred Lake facility, are inspected regularly by the AER in response to previous bird deaths at these facilities to assure wildlife deterrent systems are in place and working properly.

The Alberta Energy Regulator ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans.

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The Alberta Energy Regulator is responding to reports of approximately 30 blue heron fatalities on the Syncrude Canada Mildred Lake oilsands mine site north of Fort McMurray. The AER has dispatched staff to the site and the cause of death is being investigated.