The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) announced today that Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) pled guilty to a charge stemming from a pollution incident that occurred on or about December 27, 2013 and continuing until December 28, 2013.

An oil sheen was observed while petroleum was being loaded onto a tanker from the Hibernia Platform. Operations ceased, but resumed without ensuring that it could be done without causing pollution. This action was contrary to subsection 24(2) of the Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Drilling and Production Regulations, and HMDC thereby committed an offence pursuant to paragraph 194(1)(a) of the Canada-Newfoundland Atlantic Accord Implementation Act.

The charge followed an Investigation by C-NLOPB Conservation Officers.

A fine of $80,000 was imposed under the Accord Act. In addition, HMDC was ordered to pay $170,000 into the Environmental Damages Fund.

The Agreed Statement of Facts is available here.

The C-NLOPB is the independent regulator of petroleum activities in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area, on behalf of the federal government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media Contact:
Sean Kelly MA, APR, FCPRS
Manager of Public Relations
(709) 778-1418
(709) 689-0713 (cell)
skelly@cnlopb.ca