Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. is fined $100,000 for violating the Fisheries Act

April 30, 2018 – Saguenay, Quebec – Environment and Climate Change Canada

Canadians value a safe and clean environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers work hard every day to make sure individuals and companies are respecting Canadian environmental laws.

On April 24, 2018, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. pleaded guilty, in the Court of Quebec in Saguenay, to violating subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act, and the company was fined $100,000.

Environment and Climate Change Canada conducted an investigation, which revealed that, between December 13 and 15, 2016, the Arvida plant (at the Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. Jonquière complex) released 1.7 m³ of hydrochloric acid into the Saguenay River, contrary to subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act, thereby committing an offence under subsection 40(2) of the Act.

The amount will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

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Quick facts

• Hydrochloric acid is considered a deleterious substance, under the Fisheries Act.
• The Department’s enforcement officers conduct inspections and investigations to verify compliance with the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act. They ensure that regulated organizations are in compliance with environmental legislation.
• Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.
• Created in 1995, the Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and it provides a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit our environment.

Contacts

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