To date at the Hibernia offshore oil field, there have been reports of three oiled birds in the area since an accidental release of oil from the platform on July 17.
In its update on Monday, Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) said the bird sightings were reported to the appropriate regulatory and government agencies.
“One was recovered, transported onshore by helicopter, and is currently being treated at the seabird rehabilitation centre,” the update noted. “A deceased bird was discovered on the deck of a vessel during routine observations (Monday). The bird was not oiled but will be transported onshore. There have been no other reports of impacted wildlife.”
Eight third-party wildlife observers continue to monitor for wildlife from vessels and on overflights.
In the meantime, seven support vessels are currently in the field.
On Monday, the Atlantic Merlin and the Paul A Sacuta continued use of single-vessel side sweep systems, and the Atlantic Shrike and the Atlantic Kestrel used mechanical recovery equipment to collect the water and oil mixture.
HMDC is providing regular updates to mariners, as well.
The statement reminds fishermen of the fisheries claims process.
“Any fishers who believe they have gear impacted can contact us,” the update reads.
Production on the Hibernia platform remains shut down as the cleanup response continues.
HMDC has said the discharge — a mix of water and oil — occurred during routine activities related to removing water from one of the storage cells.
Based on aerial surveillance, the estimated volume of oil released from the Hibernia platform was 75 barrels of oil, equivalent to approximately 12,000 litres.
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