On December 21, Suncor Energy Inc. pleaded guilty to 2 counts of depositing a deleterious substance into waters frequented by fish, in contravention of s. 36(3) of the Fisheries Act.
In the summer of 2008, during construction of a bridge over the the Steepbank River, north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, heavy rainfall caused a catchment pond to overflow, releasing effluent into the river.
The $200,000 penalty consists of a $20,000 fine and $180,000 donation to the federal Environmental Damages Fund.