Ontario-based dry-cleaning directors fined for violating environmental regulations and director fined for obstructing a federal enforcement officer

Oshawa, Ontario – November 9, 2018 – Environment and Climate Change Canada

Canadians value clean water and a sustainable environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers work to protect our environment by enforcing federal environmental laws.

On November 5, 2018, two dry-cleaning directors were fined in the Ontario Court of Justice after pleading guilty to violating federal environmental legislation. Ms. Heema Dyal and Mr. Farouk Habeebulah pleaded guilty to contravening the Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations made under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Ms. Heema Dyal was fined $10,500 of which $7,500 was for obstructing an enforcement officer, which is a contravention under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Mr. Farouk Habeebulah was fined $5,000.

The total fine of $15,500 will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.

In December 2016, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers conducted an inspection at Brock Dry Cleaners, which resulted in an investigation. The investigation proved that the directors did not handle tetrachloroethylene (also known as PERC) in the manner required by the regulations.

Quick facts

• Tetrachloroethylene, commonly known as PERC, is used as a dry-cleaning solvent and is listed as a toxic substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
• If PERC is released into the air, it can damage plants. Improper handling of PERC and PERC-containing waste can also contaminate ground water.
• The Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. 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.

Contacts

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca