June 17, 2015 – Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador – Environment Canada
The Iron Ore Company of Canada was ordered to pay $30,000 on June 15, 2015, in Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Court after pleading guilty to offences under the Fisheries Act related to the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER).
In October 2012, the company failed to notify an inspector of having deposited effluent into fish-bearing water without authorization. The effluent was deposited into Luce Lake in Labrador City. The MMER authorize deposits of effluent so long as conditions stipulated in the regulation are respected. In this case, the company failed to comply with the condition imposing a limit on the concentration of total suspended solids in effluent entering water frequented by fish. The company also failed to provide a written report to an inspector within 30 days of the unauthorized release.
Of the $30,000 penalty, $15,000 will be paid to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) and $15,000 will be paid as a fine. The EDF is administered by Environment Canada. It was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our natural environment.
As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.
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Fisheries Act
Metal Mining Effluent Regulations
Environmental Offenders Registry
