FORT ST. JOHN, BC, May 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Progress Energy Canada Ltd.
pleaded guilty on May 20, 2015, in
Fort St. John, British Columbia
Provincial Court, and was ordered to pay a total of $250,000 in penalties for an offence under the
Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, that occurred on
May 3, 2012.
Environment Canada's
investigation determined that migratory birds died as a result of
their exposure to condensate, a form of petroleum liquid
hydrocarbon. There were no deterrence measures in place to limit
the birds access to the open, above-ground, holding tank. In total,
17 Mallard ducks were found dead in the tank.
Of the $250,000 penalty, the
company will pay a $5,000 fine, and
will make a directed payment of $122,500 to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF),
and another of $122,500 to
three charities.
The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) follows the polluter pays
principle to help ensure that those who cause environmental damage
or harm to wildlife take responsibility for their actions.
As a result of this conviction, the company's name will be added
to the Environmental Offender's Registry.
Quick Facts
- The Environmental Offenders Registry contains information on
convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under
certain federal environmental laws. The Registry contains
convictions recorded for offences committed since June 18, 2009—when the Environmental
Enforcement Act received Royal Assent.
- Environment Canada has created
a subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the
Government of Canada is doing to
protect our natural environment. Subscribing to Environment
Canada's Enforcement Notifications is easy, and free. Sign up
today.
Associated Links
Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
Environmental Offenders Registry
Environmental Damages Fund
Environment Canada's Twitter
page
Environment Canada's Facebook
page
SOURCE Environment Canada