Nanaimo, B.C. -- January 11, 2011 -- On Tuesday, January 11, 2011, Rivers Inlet Resort, located in the Queen Charlotte Sound, and its director, Richard Shapland, were convicted in British Columbia Provincial court for offences under the Fisheries Act.
Mr. Shapland was fined $15,000, and Rivers Inlet Resort $5,000, for depositing a substance deleterious to fish or fish habitat (diesel fuel) into waters frequented by fish.
On October 3, 2008, Environment Canada was notified of a diesel spill originating from Rivers Inlet Resort's above-ground storage tank. A subsequent inspection confirmed that 4,000 litres of diesel was released into the marine environment. An investigation and Environment Canada laboratory analysis revealed a lack of due diligence by the accused, and a violation under the Fisheries Act for which charges were laid.
Environment Canada enforcement officers investigate potential offences under a number of Acts and Regulations including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; the Species at Risk Act (SARA); the pollution prevention provisions of Canada's Fisheries Act; the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994; Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). They help ensure that companies, government departments and agencies and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Canada's environment.
Media Relations
Environment Canada
1-888-908-8008
Pia Rasmussen
Manager, Coastal District
Environmental Enforcement
Environment Canada
(604) 666-6917
