A Québec Firm is Charged With Importing Hazardous Wastes Without a Permit

Sorel (Québec), February 27, 2004 – Chem-Tech Environnement Inc., based in the regional county municipality of Lajemmerais, in the judicial district of Richelieu, pleaded guilty today to charges of having contravened to paragraph 185 (1)b)i) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Environment Canada filed charges after the company imported hazardous wastes from liquid toxic pesticides, without holding the required permit, from April to June, 2001.

The Provincial Court in Sorel ordered the company to pay a fine of $3,500, plus fees. Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, it is illegal to import hazardous wastes for purposes of recycling or destruction without having first obtained a Canadian permit.

These charges are pursuant to an investigation led by the Environmental Protection Enforcement division of Environment Canada, Québec Region. The enforcement officials investigate alleged offences against the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the federal Fisheries Act. They ensure that companies, government employees and the general public observe the acts and regulations related to environmental protection in Canada.

For more information, please contact:

To receive automatic e-mail notification of all Environment Canada news releases, media advisories, and statements, please click on this URL to subscribe: http://www.ec.gc.ca/mediaroom/newsrelease/e/subscribe_e.cfm