This release was issued under a previous government.

The charges relate to a release of hydrogen sulphide gas, produced during the bitumen upgrading process, which allegedly occurred in May 2010 at the Horizon Oil Sands facility, located 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. faces three charges under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act:

  • One count under section 109(2) that states no person shall release into the environment a substance that causes or may cause a significant adverse effect.
  • One count under section 110(1)(a), that a person who releases a substance into the environment, as soon as that person knows or ought to know of the release, must report it.
  • One count under section 110(2), that a person having control of a substance that is released into the environment shall, immediately on becoming aware of the release, must report it.

The first court appearance is set for Wednesday, July 11 at the Fort McMurray Provincial Court.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development focuses on education, prevention and enforcement to ensure all Albertans continue to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. When individuals or companies fail to comply with legislation, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development has a range of options, depending on the offence, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

To view recent compliance and enforcement actions, visit http://environment.alberta.ca/0942.html.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Trevor Gemmell
Communications
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
780-427-6267

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.