The federal government has laid three charges against CN Rail for a train derailment that spilled more than 700,000 litres of oil into a lake west of Edmonton almost three years ago.

On August 3, 2005, 43 cars went off the tracks near Wabamun Lake, about 50 kilometres west of Edmonton, dumping Bunker C oil and pole-treating oil into the water.

Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, CN is charged with one count of allegedly depositing a substance harmful to migratory birds into water frequented by those birds. The company is also facing two charges under the Fisheries Act for the alleged alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat. Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the charges March 18. The company had its first court appearance the following day. (JK)