Nova Scotia Firm and Company President Charged in Manure Spill Incident

HALIFAX --- September 6, 2001 --- Environment Canada today charged Delhaven Farms Limited and company president Josephus J. Ueffing of Canning, Nova Scotia with violating Section 36(3) of the Federal Fisheries Act. The charges relate to a liquid pig manure spill that occurred on March 27, 2001, at Delhaven’s Burlington operation.

The charges allege that the liquid manure escaped from a recently constructed wetland area and entered Browns Brook, waters known to have fish habitat. Under Section 36(3) it is an offence to allow a deleterious substance to enter waters frequented by fish. If convicted, the company and Mr. Ueffing each face a maximum fine of $300,000 for a first offence.

Investigators from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour were also involved in the investigation.

The company and Mr. Ueffing will make a first appearance in Nova Scotia Provincial Court on October 15, 2001.

For further information contact:
David Aggett,
Enforcement Division,
Environment Canada, Atlantic Region
(902) 426-1925