Dead duck found at site of Nexen pipeline spill

A dead duck was found Sunday at the site of a pipeline break that spilled five million litres of oil sands emulsion at Nexen's site near Long Lake in northern Alberta.

The bird was found on the western side of the site. In a news release, Nexen Energy said the duck likely died beforewildlife deterrents were put in place.

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The spill was discovered last Wednesday by a contractor who was walking along the pipeline. For some reason, the early detection warning system on the line did not work.

The pipeline was installed in 2014.

The Alberta Energy Regulator [AER] has ordered Nexen to contain the spill and submit a cleanup plan.

The company says it is now using noise cannons, effigies, fencing and other deterrents to keep wildlife away from the site.

A full wildlife mitigation plan will be shared with the public once it is approved by the AER.