News Release - July 7, 2006

NR-C&A-06-10E

COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY TO DESTROYING FISH HABITAT DURING CONSTRUCTION OF HIGHWAY 400

Parry Sound, Ontario - On July 6, 2006 E. & E. Seegmiller Limited was fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to one count of violating Section 35(1) of the Fisheries Act for “the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat”. The offence occurred on an unnamed creek in the Township of Sequin.

During the investigation it was learned that between early 2001 and the fall of 2002, waste fill from highway construction activities was placed in a wetland area that covered over a section of an unnamed creek. The works resulted in the harmful alteration of fish habitat.

As part of the sentencing, E. & E. Seegmiller Limited will restore the habitat at the impact site by stabilizing eroding stream banks and the placement of instream structures in the form of woody material to improve cover for fish. E. & E. Seegmiller Limited will also be making a $5,000 donation to the Muskoka Heritage Foundation to be used to promote environmentally-friendly projects throughout the Parry Sound – Muskoka Region.

Prior to undertaking any work in or around water, Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages the public to ensure they have all necessary permits from municipal, provincial, and federal agencies and authorities.

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For more information:
Colleen O'Meara
Regional Communications Manager
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Central and Arctic Region
(905) 336-4822