Mining: floating covers for evaporation and bird control

How do you stop birds from landing on your ponds?

Mining operations, particularly in the oil sands sector, have significant environmental impacts, including the contamination of water bodies and the death of wildlife, particularly birds. This issue has been highlighted by various incidents involving tailings ponds—large, toxic waste reservoirs created during the extraction process.

Bird Deaths in Contaminated Ponds

Incidents of Bird Mortality
Mining companies, such as Syncrude, have faced severe scrutiny after mass bird deaths linked to tailings ponds. Notably, in 2008, over 1,600 ducks died after landing on a contaminated pond, leading to a $3 million fine for the company. Similar incidents occurred in 2010 and 2015, where hundreds of birds were either killed or had to be euthanized due to exposure to toxic substances in these ponds. The deaths are primarily attributed to the inability of birds to maintain their feathers’ insulating properties after becoming coated with oil, which ultimately leads to drowning or hypothermia.

Environmental Impact
The tailings produced during oil sands extraction contain harmful chemicals such as naphthenic acids and heavy metals. These substances can seep into groundwater and affect local ecosystems. The presence of these toxic materials poses a significant risk not only to birds but also to other wildlife and potentially human populations that rely on these water sources.

Regulatory Responses and Fines

Mining companies are subject to environmental regulations that aim to prevent such incidents. For example, Syncrude was charged under the Environment Protection and Enhancement Act for failing to adequately protect wildlife from hazardous substances. The maximum fine for such violations can reach up to $500,000; however, critics argue that financial penalties alone are insufficient deterrents against environmental negligence.

Conclusion: Preventing Bird Deaths

The intersection of mining operations and environmental protection remains a contentious issue. The tragic deaths of birds due to contaminated ponds underscore the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and more effective wildlife protection measures. Companies must not only comply with existing laws but also adopt proactive strategies to mitigate their environmental impact and safeguard biodiversity.

Birds and other wildlife are often drawn to open water areas, including tailings ponds or man-made storage ponds built for industrial use. While netting has been used in the past to restrict access to these water sources, it fails to camouflage the water and allows sunlight penetration, which fosters algae and weed growth. This continued availability of habitat and food means that waterfowl remain attracted to net-covered ponds. Netting also tends to deteriorate more quickly in colder climates where snow and ice can cause further damage.

A more effective and long-lasting approach is to install a bird deterrent floating cover that masks the water’s surface, causing birds and other wildlife to no longer view it as a suitable habitat. The Hexprotect® AQUA system excels in this regard by forming what appears to be a solid plastic shield on the pond, thus concealing the water completely. Because it blocks sunlight and removes the visual cues of water, waterfowl are far less likely to land, significantly reducing the risk to birds and other wildlife.

Beyond wildlife deterrence, this innovative cover also offers the added benefit of suppressing algae growth. Algae can be especially problematic in mining operations, as algal blooms degrade water quality, increase turbidity, and add excessive organic matter. These factors complicate the filtration and treatment processes vital for efficient mineral extraction, driving up operational costs and heightening environmental risks. By limiting sunlight penetration, the Hexprotect® AQUA cover reduces algal proliferation, resulting in clearer water, lower treatment demands, and enhanced overall sustainability.

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