June 16, 2008

Latex Spill Results In Fine

HAMILTON, Ontario -- On June 16, 2008 Smits Tank Maintenance Inc. of Hamilton, Ontario, pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice on one count of failing to report the deposit of a deleterious substance, in this case latex liquid. The company was directed to make a payment of $6,000 to the Environmental Damages Fund. On February 20, 2008, Pioneer Balloon Canada Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to report the spill and was fined $10,000.

Smits Tank Maintenance Inc., along with Pioneer Balloon Canada Inc., were  charge by Environment Canada for violations under the Fisheries Act. The charges were laid following a report, dated June 29, 2005, from the Provincial Spills Action Centre. The report mentions that, on June 28, 2005, a milky white substance with no odour was flowing into Red Hill Creek. Environment Canada Enforcement Branch initiated an investigation and found that latex liquid had been deposited into the creek.