15/08/2005 — 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.
