Environment Canada Announces Investigations into the Wabamun Lake Derailment

EDMONTON, AB — August 15, 2005 — Environment Canada has announced that investigations are being conducted under Section 5.1 of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and subsection 36 (3) of the Fisheries Act, as a result of the CN train derailment that occurred on August 3, 2005 at Wabamun Lake, Alberta.

The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA 1994) ensures the conservation of migratory bird populations by regulating potentially harmful human activities. Section 5.1 of the MBCA prohibits persons or vessels from depositing harmful substances in waters or areas frequented by migratory birds. Subsection 36 (3) of the Fisheries Act protects fish-bearing waters from the deposit of any substance that is "deleterious" or harmful to fish and aquatic life.

Environment Minister Stéphane Dion declared that he was "pleased to see progress regarding both the clean up and enforcement response to this incident."

Environment Canada is proceeding as per the Administrative Agreement with the province of Alberta regarding enforcement to establish a coordinated effort and ensure an effective investigation.

Environment Canada staff providing assistance at Wabamun Lake includes toxicologists, wildlife biologists, environmental specialists, meteorologists and environmental emergency officers. They are providing assistance for sampling; shoreline assessment and cleanup techniques; fate and behaviour of the spilled substances; wildlife monitoring; and support to oiled bird rehabilitation.

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