RICHMOND, BC, May 7, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - On May 4, 2015, in British Columbia Provincial Court, Prairie Distributors (B.C.) Inc. was fined $62,500 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). The company pleaded guilty, on April 17, 2015, to four offences in contravention of the Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations.
In June 2012, Environment Canada enforcement officers conducted inspections of dry-cleaning businesses in British Columbia to verify compliance with the Regulations.
A subsequent investigation determined that Prairie Distributors (B.C.) Inc. had sold tetrachloroethylene, a toxic substance commonly known as PERC, to dry-cleaning facility owners or operators who did not have required secondary containment systems in place, which is in contravention of a condition of sale imposed by the Regulations.
The fine will be paid to the Environmental Damages Fund.
As a result of this conviction, the company's name will be added to the Environmental Offender's Registry.
Quick Facts
- PERC is a commonly used dry-cleaning solvent and is designated as a toxic substance under CEPA 1999.
- The Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations aim to reduce PERC releases into the environment, where it has the potential to contaminate ground and surface water.
- The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is administered by Environment Canada. It was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit our natural environment.
- The Environmental Offenders Registry contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws. The Registry contains convictions recorded for offences committed since June 18, 2009—when the Environmental Enforcement Act received Royal Assent.
Associated Links
Environmental Offenders Registry
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SOURCE Environment Canada
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Media Relations, Environment Canada, 819-934-8008
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