Calgary-based oil giant appeals fine over wildlife deaths in tailings pond

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. CNQ-T is appealing a $278,000 fine for a major environmental infraction that killed birds and endangered coyotes and wolves near its Horizon oil sands mining operation in Northern Alberta.The Alberta Energy Regulator levied the fine in July last year. Tyler Callicott, its director of enforcement, wrote in a judgment that the Calgary-based oil giant failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent wildlife from coming into contact with toxic tailings at the oil sands site.