Edmonton company fined $20,000 for environmental law violations

EDMONTON, Alta. -- June 14, 2012 -- 1073612 Alberta Ltd, operating as Edmonton Ice Box, today pleaded guilty in Edmonton Provincial Court to a federal charge laid by Environment Canada for failing to take reasonable emergency measures consistent with the protection of the environment and public safety to prevent an environmental emergency contrary to requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). The company operates as an ice arena.

The plea was entered on one count under the federal CEPA 1999 and relates to the release of liquid and gaseous anhydrous ammonia from a compressor of the Edmonton Ice Box arena’s refrigeration system.  The company was fined a total of $20,000 for the offence, of which $18,000 is directed towards 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 restoration of natural resources and the environment, and wildlife conservation projects in the same geographic area where the damage originally occurred.

Please consult the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and the Environmental Damages Fund to find out more.

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