Lone duck found dead at Nexen spill site

Calgary—Operations are ongoing at the Long Lake facility to contain and clean up the pipeline emulsion spill that occurred on July 15, 2015, Nexen Energy said in a July 20 statement. The company also reported that a deceased duck was discovered on the western side of the spill site. Nexen believes the duck had been at the spill site before many of the wildlife deterrents were put in place.

Nexen has now put number of protective measures and deterrents in place to help prevent wildlife from accessing the area affected by the release. This includes a variety of fences, wildlife cannons, effigies and bird flagging. The company added there is also a considerable amount of human activity 24-hours a day associated with the containment and clean-up operations that would serve as a deterrent.

Nexen also reiterated its sincere regrets that the incident occurred in the statement.

“We remain committed to minimizing the impact the spill has on the environment and wildlife,” the company said. We are working closely with the Fish and Wildlife department of Alberta Environment and Parks to continue developing a comprehensive wildlife mitigation plan. The plan will be shared with the public after it has been approved by the Alberta Energy Regulator.”