Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allen Adam is warning that every Canadian will pay a price for the current environmental policies in place after the recent blue heron deaths at the Syncrude site. Around 30 of the majestic birds died and this has upset environmentalists. The blue heron is not a protected species but it is a large and beautiful bird that delights those who see it. Chief Allan Adam told the media “We continue to pay the price. We see environmental issues come up in regards to wildlife and waterfowl that keep on occurring. Let’s do this right. If we want to continue to grow the oilsands and continue to prosper from what is here as a resource, then let’s do it the right way.” Chief Adam also expressed frustration at inaction by policy makers. The first bird that was discovered was reported to be covered in bitumen, and one of the blue herons was found alive but later euthanized by provincial officials.

Calls for better environmental policies are also coming from others after the blue heron deaths. Two investigators from the Albrta Energy Regulator have arrived at the Suncor Mildred Lake site and facility. In addition Syncrude has also appointed an investigator to examine what happened, why the birds died, and what can be done to prevent similar events in the future. Will Gibson, spokesperson for Syncrude, stated “There will be a very thorough investigation into what caused this. We are co-operating with the three agencies that are investigating this on site. We intend to find out what happened and address it.”