Fine of $100,000 levied against Saskatchewan First Nation for non-compliance with an environmental protection order
News Release
April 29, 2016 – Punnichy, Saskatchewan – Environment and Climate Change Canada
The Kawacatoose First Nation pleaded guilty on October 20, 2015, in Saskatchewan Provincial Court for failing to comply with an environmental protection compliance order (EPCO) issued by an Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officer.
The EPCO directed the First Nation to provide an emergency plan and inspection records, as well as to implement a product transfer area designed to contain spills at a gas station owned and operated by the Kawacatoose First Nation. This is required by the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, which are regulations made under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).
CEPA 1999 sets out mandatory minimum penalties aimed at promoting compliance. On April 13, 2016, the First Nation received a mandatory minimum fine of $100,000. The fine is to be paid in $20,000 installments, with final payment on or before April 2021.
The fine will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.
Quick fact
- EPCOs are orders that may be issued under CEPA 1999 by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers directing the alleged offender to take measures to prevent the commission of an alleged contravention or to return to compliance.
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