June 27, 2008

Illegal Importation of Hazardous Waste Brings $17,500 Penalty

Metalex Products Ltd. of Richmond, British Columbia received a $17,500 penalty for illegally importing hazardous waste into British Columbia in 2004.  The penalty came after the company pleaded guilty on June 24, 2008, in the Provincial Court of British Columbia to one count of illegally importing hazardous waste in violation of subsection 185(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.  The penalty includes a fine of $2,500 and a contribution of $15,000 to the Environmental Damages Fund. 

Metalex Products Ltd. and its associated company Davis Trading & Supply Limited, were alleged to have unlawfully imported hazardous waste (lead pieces and residues containing lead) in 2004.  Canada Border Services Agency Officers at the Pacific Highway Border Crossing in Surrey initially detected the materials and referred the shipment to Environment Canada for further verification.  An environmental enforcement officer determined that the material was leachate toxic for lead.