Biologists call for action to stop multiple oil, mud spills off Newfoundland

Published on July 4, 2012; Published on July 4, 2012
The Canadian Press ~ staff The Western Star

Biologists say more than 34,000 litres of oil and drilling mud spilled off Newfoundland last year are a threat to wildlife that underscores a need for better environmental protections.

Topics :: Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.The board , Suncor Energy , Newfoundland , Terra Nova

Incidents posted online by the federal-provincial regulator suggest there were 39 leaks of various oils and the synthetic mud used for drilling.

Just two incidents involving about six litres of crude oil have been reported so far this year by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

The board filed three charges against Suncor Energy for the spill of more than 26,000 litres of synthetic mud in March of last year from the Henry Goodrich drill rig.

The Terra Nova offshore production vessel, also operated by Suncor, leaked almost 700 litres of oil over several months before a thruster was repaired.

Biologists Gail Fraser and Bill Montevecchi, who reviewed the reports, are calling for more independent oversight and say it shouldn’t be up to oil companies to self-report pollution.

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Comments

Mary Gorman

- July 11, 2012 at 09:28:26

This is further evidence that unelected provincial offshore petroleum boards in a conflict as both promoters and regulators are either unwilling or incapable of safely regulating Canada's offshore. Why is it that our governments seem to have so little regard for renewable species, that they allow this to happen? How can anyone suggest we need the oil when there is a glut coming out of the tar sands? It was reported on national news last night that the past year has been the warmest 12 months on record. Yet our world 'leaders' refuse to lead. They refuse to address and prepare us for increasing weather extremes and the inevitable horrors of climate change coming our way. It is beyond discouraging and will create travesty for future generations, if they continue to ignore the scientific truth of this reality.

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