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Chemical distributer fined $5000 for the illegal sale of tetrachloroethylene to a dry-cleaning facility
March 2, 2010
Edmonton , AB – Western Solvent and Recycle Systems Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta,appeared in Alberta Provincial Court on December 21, 2009, and pleaded guilty to one count under the Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The company has been fined $5000 for selling tetrachloroethylene to a dry-cleaning facility that did not have chemical-impermeable floor drain plugs readily available in the event of a spill. Tetrachloroethylene is designated as a “Toxic Substance” under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
$4500 of the fine was directed to the Environmental Damages Fund. The Environmental Damages Fund, is administered by Environment Canada, and was created in 1995 to provide the courts and companies with an option to direct monetary penalties and settlements to investments in the repair of the actual harm done to the environment. It helps ensure polluters take responsibility for their actions and enforces the “polluter pays” principle.
The investigation that led to the conviction was launched by Environment Canada’s Enforcement Branch in February 2009, as a result of information gathered during an inspection of a dry-cleaning facility in Lloydminster, Alberta.
Further information on the Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Environmental Damages Fund may be found at www.ec.gc.ca/cepaRegistry and www.ec.gc.ca/edf-fde.
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