Nyrstar Myra Falls (Campbell River) ordered to pay $185,000 penalty for release of untreated acidic wash water in Myra Creek

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC, Oct. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - 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 a fine of $185,000 of which $184,000 will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF).

On September 5, 2014, Nyrstar Myra Falls Mine reported a spill of 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 be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. The registry was created in 2009, and 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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