Nyrstar Myra Falls must pay $185,000 penalty for release of untreated acidic wash water in creek

Campbell River, British Columbia - October 26, 2016 - Environment and Climate Change Canada

Canadians value clean water and a sustainable environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC’s) enforcement officers work tirelessly to protect our environment through the enforcement of our federal environmental laws.

On October 7, 2016, Nyrstar Myra Falls pleaded guilty, in B.C. Provincial Court, to two counts under the Fisheries Act as well as to one count under the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations. As a result, they have been ordered to pay $185,000 of which $184,000 will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF).

On September 5, 2014, Nyrstar Myra Falls Mine deposited untreated acidic wash water into Myra Creek. Testing of samples collected by ECCC enforcement officers confirmed that the wash water was deleterious (harmful) to fish. Depositing or permitting the deposit of a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish is a violation of the Fisheries Act.

As a result of the conviction, Nyrstar Myra Falls will also be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The registry was created in 2009. It contains the names of corporations convicted of offences under certain federal environmental laws.

Quick fact

• The EDF is administered by ECCC. Created in 1995, it provides a way to direct funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our natural environment.

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