October 31, 2014 – La Ronge, Saskatchewan – Environment Canada
Claude Resources Inc. recently pleaded guilty to one charge under the federal Fisheries Act and one charge under Saskatchewan’s Environmental Management and Protection Act in provincial court in La Ronge. The company was ordered to pay a total penalty of $172,000.
The charges stem from an investigation into a spill of approximately 24,000 litres of diesel fuel from a storage tank at the Seabee Mine in January 2013. The Gold Mine is owned by Claude Resources Inc. and is located approximately 125 kilometres northeast of the town of La Ronge.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and Environment Canada conducted a joint investigation into the cause of the spill. Enforcement officials discovered that the diesel fuel storage tank was located on the north shore of Laonil Lake, 35 metres from the shoreline. Investigators determined that the tank had not been serviced by a certified installer and that a connection point failure resulted in the release of the diesel fuel.
Enforcement Officials concluded that, given the circumstances in this case, the release was preventable and Claude Resources Inc. was subsequently charged.
“It is very important that owners and operators of fuel storage tanks in our province abide by the regulations under the Environmental Management and Protection Act. The ministry strictly regulates the operation of fuel tanks in Saskatchewan to protect human health and our environment.”
– Ken Aube, Ministry of Environment Compliance and Enforcement Director
“Strong, effective enforcement of Canada's environmental and wildlife protection laws is one of the ways the Government of Canada is acting on its commitment to protect the environment and conserve wildlife species and their habitat. Environment Canada continues to work with provincial and territorial governments to ensure that those who violate the law are held accountable.”
– Gord Owen, Chief Enforcement Officer, Environment Canada
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If you suspect environmental, fisheries, wildlife or forestry violations, call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers, or report a violation online at saskatchewan.ca/conservation. You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.
Barb Barootes
Environment, Province of Saskatchewan
306-787-6595
Media Relations
Environment Canada
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