EDMONTON - Alberta's environment minister says Syncrude Canada will not face any new charges despite a threefold increase in the number of dead waterfowl last spring in one of its tailings ponds.
The oilsands giant now says the carcasses of 1,606 ducks were actually collected from the toxic oily waters of the Aurora pond in northern Alberta -- not the 500 that were originally announced.
Rob Renner says the province was aware of the higher number last July, but says he only learned of the final figure this morning.
Syncrude has announced it will increase protection of migrating waterfowl around its tailings ponds, including using more noise-making cannons and year-round monitoring.
Speaking from Washington, Renner said he is satisfied with Syncrude's plan, but added it will not have any bearing on the charges the company faces.
Syncrude is next to appear in court on provincial and federal environmental charges in June.
