Hibernia Partners Face Oil Spill Charges

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) has laid four charges against Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) for alleged offences related to the spilling of crude oil from the offshore loading system of the Hibernia Platform.

Based on the information obtained during the investigation process, C-NLOPB conservation officers allege that HMDC caused or permitted crude oil to be spilled into the offshore area, failed to take all reasonable measures to prevent a further spill, and restarted work that had been suspended because of a spill while that spill was ongoing.

C-NLOPB conservation officers also allege that HMDC failed to fully report the particulars in the manner required by the applicable regulations.

The C-NLOPB is the independent joint agency of the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador responsible for the regulatory oversight of petroleum-related activities in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area, including; health and safety for offshore workers, protection of the environment, management and conservation of offshore petroleum resources, compliance with the provisions of the Accord Acts that deal with Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador employment and industrial benefits, issuance of licences for offshore exploration and development, and resource evaluation, data collection, curation and distribution.

As this matter is now before the courts, the C-NLOPB said it will not be commenting further at this time.

The shareholders of HMDC are: ExxonMobil Canada (33.125%), Chevron Canada Resources (26.875%), Suncor (20%), Canada Hibernia Holding Corporation (8.5%), Murphy Oil (6.5%) and Statoil Canada Ltd. (5%).