Progress Energy Canada to pay $250,000 for mallard duck deaths

May 26, 2015 - Fort St. John, British Columbia - Environment Canada

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.