FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — Oilsands giant Syncrude is facing an environmental protection order after the deaths of 30 great blue herons at one of its sites.
The Alberta Energy Regulator has given the company a series of tasks after the discovery of the large shorebirds' carcasses on the weekend.
Syncrude must collect samples from the site for analysis, develop a plan to clean it up and prevent future deaths and publish daily reports on its progress.
The regulator says some of the work has already begun.
The order is not considered a penalty but a directive to ensure the area is safe for wildlife.
An investigation into the deaths is also underway.
