$225,000 fine for CRC Canada for environmental violations
December 6, 2016 - Brampton, Ontario - Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
On December 5, 2016, CRC Canada Co., located in Mississauga, Ontario, was sentenced in the Ontario Court of Justice and was ordered to pay $225,000 after pleading guilty to two counts of contravening the Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations, 1998 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The fine will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF).
Information uncovered by the Intelligence Division within Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC’s) Enforcement Branch led enforcement officers to conduct an investigation into the import and sale by CRC Canada Co. of aerosol products containing a prohibited ozone-depleting substance, specifically HCFC-225. Charges were laid under CEPA, in February 2016.
In addition to the fine, CRC Canada Co. agreed to pay all costs associated with the removal and destruction of the products seized by ECCC officers during the investigation.
This conviction will result in the company’s name being added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.
Quick facts
- Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are mainly used for foam blowing; refrigeration and air conditioning; solvent cleaning; and, to a lesser extent, aerosols and fire protection.
- Ozone depletion is the term commonly used to describe the thinning of the ozone layer, which acts as a natural filter, absorbing most of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Exposure to UV radiation has been linked to many human health problems, including skin cancer.
- In 1987, Canada signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal Protocol) committing to control ozone-depleting substances including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons, and methyl bromide.
- The Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations, 1998 were established to ensure Canada’s international obligations under the Montreal Protocol are met.
- The EDF is administered by ECCC. Created in 1995, it provides a way to direct funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our natural environment
Associated links
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Ozone Depleting Substances
Canadian Environmental Protection Act
Environmental Offenders Registry
Environmental Damages Fund
Contacts
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Environment and Climate Change Canada
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