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Suncor Newfoundland Spill: Energy Company Charged In Synthetic Drilling Mud Incident

Posted: 04/ 4/2012 3:27 pm Updated: 04/ 4/2012 6:29 pm

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) faces three federal charges relating to a reported spill of synthetic-based mud from an offshore drilling rig last year off Newfoundland.

The charges laid by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board follow a reported spill of more than 26,000 litres of fluid used to lubricate drill pipes and balance reservoir pressure.

Suncor is charged with causing an offshore spill, failing to handle drilling fluids in a way that would prevent pollution, and failing to handle drilling fluids so they don't create an environmental hazard.

If convicted, Suncor could face a fine of up to $100,000 for each charge or jail time of up to one year under the Canada-Newfoundland Atlantic Accord.

The federal-provincial offshore regulator laid the charges after investigating a reported spill March 28, 2011, on the Henry Goodrich drill rig.

Suncor Energy spokeswoman Nancy Wicks says protecting workers and the environment is a top priority.

She declined to comment further as the issue is now before court.

Shortly after the spill, the province's natural resources minister chided the regulator for taking three days to report it.

A spokesman for the regulator said it took time to verify the details and investigate possible causes, but agreed that officials could have been quicker in releasing information about the spill.

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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Rob Vann
Hope for the best,Plan for the worst,Take what cms
205 Fans
07:38 PM on 04/04/2012
No one is going to jail and $300,000 to Suncor is equivalent to you buying a coffee at Timmy's.
Take the oil and gas subsidy off of that and not only will the fine be covered but any legal fees as well.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
All Seeing Guy
Center of the storm
440 Fans
06:50 PM on 04/04/2012
Would that be an "ethical" spill?
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pinkibus
1811 Fans
05:19 PM on 04/04/2012
Never ever say Suncor did something illegal or immoral or irreligious. Harper supports Suncor and Suncor supports Harper.
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Newfoundlander
I'm a pessimist, an optimist with experience!
480 Fans
05:03 PM on 04/04/2012
"If convicted, Suncor could face a fine of up to $100,000 for each charge or jail time of up to one year..."
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Now that's the right idea! If a corporation breaks the law, send it to jail. After all, corporations are people, too (thank you, Mitt Romney).

Seriously, it's actions like this that point out the absurdity of giving paper-based organizations the same rights as carbon-based people. Until corporations can be jailed, or, if they're based in Texas, executed, corporate personhood should be withheld.
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