Company receives huge fine after diesel leaked into Etobicoke Cree. Courtesy photos.
A Mississauga fuel-supply company has been fined $100,000 for leaking diesel fuel into the fish-bearing Etobicoke Creek.
The firm, that has not been identified, was fined by the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on August 16 after pleading guilty to an offence under the Fisheries Act.
The company plead guilty in relation to the unlawful deposit diesel fuel into fish-bearing waters from February 7 to March 5, 2019, according to a release from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
The fine will go to an Environmental Damages Fund.
The ECCC said on February 8, 2019, enforcement officers responded to complaints relating to a diesel fuel spill in Etobicoke Creek.
Huge fine for firm after diesel fuel dumped into Etobicoke Creek.
“Officers conducted an inspection at the company’s diesel fuel station on Dixie Road in Mississauga,” the release explained. “During the inspection, officers observed diesel fuel entering Etobicoke Creek, a body of water frequented by fish.”
Water samples were collected and an order issued to the company requiring them to stop the release and prevent any further deposits to Etobicoke Creek.
The agency through laboratory analysis determined the samples contained diesel, a ‘substance that is deleterious to fish.’
An investigation found that poor maintenance of the on-the-site-oil-water separator led to a system failure which allowed diesel fuel to be discharged through the storm sewer into Etobicoke Creek.
Etobicoke Creek is already ranked as having dirty water and there has to be tougher anti-polluting rules.
The court ordered the company’s name to be added to an Environmental Offenders Registry, which contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws.
The federal government said it is committed to protecting the health, safety, and environment of Canadians. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforces the laws that protect the air, water, and natural environment in Canada.