July 24, 2015 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Environment Canada
West Coast Reduction Ltd. was ordered to pay $90,000 on July 8, 2015, in Vancouver Provincial Court after pleading guilty to an offence under the Fisheries Act.
The conviction stems from a spill of approximately 1,800 litres of canola oil, into the Burrard Inlet, that occurred as West Coast Reduction Ltd. was loading the vessel Bum Shin at the Port Metro Vancouver. The company reported the incident on November 24, 2013.
Environment Canada’s investigation determined that the spill was the result of documented procedures not being followed, an improperly secured flange in the loading system, and a cracked containment vault at the site of the improperly secured flange.
Canola oil is deleterious to fish and is harmful to migratory birds.
Of the $90,000 penalty, $85,000 will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) and $5,000 will be paid as a fine.
The 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 Offenders Registry.
Environmental Offenders Registry
Fisheries Act
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