Calgary/IBNS: At least 32 dead waterfowl were found at two separate oil sands tailings ponds in Canada's Alberta operated by Suncor Energy Inc.

Suncor reported 27 dead birds including 7 grebe, a sensitive bird species at the Syncrude Mildred Lake Settling Basin, a tailings pond located on the north side of the Mildred Lake oil sands site.

The other five birds, all grebe, were found at the Millennium Mine site tailings pond at Suncor's Base Plant north of Fort McMurray, Alta.

All the birds were found between May 8 and May 13.

It says it continues to assess the situation and will provide updates as required.

Regional stakeholders as well as the provincial and federal governments have been notified, said the regulator and added that the situation is being continuously assessed and updates would be provided when needed.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)