A tailings pond near a Syncrude facility in AlbertaJeff McIntosh
The Alberta government is investigating a new case of waterfowl landing at a Syncrude Canada Ltd. tailings pond.
Environment Minister Rob Renner says the ducks landed on Syncrude's Mildred Lake Settling Basin on Monday night.
Mr. Renner said he is disappointed and wants answers from the company.
He said the number and status of the birds is unknown, but some are heavily oiled and recovery operations are under way.
Syncrude was hit with $3-million in penalties last Friday for causing the deaths of 1,600 ducks at another tailings pond in 2008.
On Friday, the oil sands giant said it was going to focus on gaining the public's trust and rebuilding its reputation.