Suncor charged by regulator over 2011 spill

The provinces offshore regulator says it has filed three charges against Calgary-based Suncor Energy related to the spill of synthetic-based mud from the Henry Goodrichdrilling unitin March 2011.

The charges result from an investigation by conservation officers with the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

Synthetic-based mud is a heavy, dense fluid used during drilling operations to lubricate the drill pipe and balance reservoir pressure.

The 26,400-litre spill took place at the Ballicatters M96-Z well located in the Jeanne d'Arc Basin.

Suncor is charged with causing or permitting a spill into the offshore area, failure to ensure that drilling fluids were stored and handled in a manner that would have prevented pollution, and failure to ensure that drilling fluids were handled in a way that did not create a hazard to safety or the environment.

The charges are filed under a section of the Atlantic Accord act that provides for a range of penaltiesa maximum fine of $100,000 for a summary conviction, and a top fine of $1 million for companies found guilty of an indictable offence.

The courts can also impose creative penalties, such as requiring payment into an environmental fund.

Suncor is innocent until proven guilty.

The C-NLOPB is the joint federal-provincial regulator that oversees the Newfoundland offshore.