1 year later, environment groups still awaiting charges over Husky oil spill - Action News
Home WebMail Saturday, November 23, 2024, 06:10 AM | Calgary | -12.2°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Saskatoon

1 year later, environment groups still awaiting charges over Husky oil spill

A year after a major oil spill along the North Saskatchewan River fouled the water source for three Saskatchewan cities, environmentalists say the company involved should get more than just a fine.

Husky pipeline leaked 225,000 litres of heavy oil last July on riverbank near Maidstone

It's been a year since a Husky pipeline spill put 225,000 litres of oil and other materials into Saskatchewan waterways. (Matthew Garand/CBC)

A year after a major oil spill along the North Saskatchewan River fouled the water source for three Saskatchewan cities, environmentalists say the company involved should get more than just a fine.

Peter Prebble with the Saskatchewan Environmental Society says he hopes Husky Energy is ordered to make upgrades to its oil pipeline system.

Prebble says Husky is a big company and a fine could just end up being a slap on the wrist.

Last July, a Husky pipeline leaked 225,000 litres of heavy oil mixed with diluent onto the riverbank near Maidstone and about 40 per cent of the spill reached the river.

Dale Marshall with the group Environmental Defence says he's not surprised that no charges have yet been laid.

He says it can takes years for charges, but that they should be laid more quickly in the interest of accountability.

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Justice isn't commenting.It's still reviewing Husky's response to alarms before the spill to decide whether charges should be laid.