Charges laid after 7,500 birds killed in flare at Saint John gas plant

SAINT JOHN – Charges have been laid against the Canaport liquefied natural gas facility in New Brunswick after thousands of birds died last year when they flew into a flare burning at the plant.

Company spokeswoman Kate Shannon says the facility in Saint John faces two charges under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and one under the Species at Risk Act.

Shannon says Canaport learned of the charges last week and a court appearance is set for Jan. 21 in provincial court.

Environment Canada launched an investigation after about 7,500 migrating birds were killed in September 2013 while the company was burning off excess gas at the facility.

Shannon says changes to equipment to reduce the amount of flaring have since been completed and there have been no further incidents.