HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, January 20, 2005 - Steven Christiansen and Kenneth Greencorn of Atlantic Utility Maintenance Inc. appeared in Dartmouth Provincial Court yesterday to answer charges of violating section 36(3) of the Federal Fisheries Act.

The charges, filed by Environment Canada on December 19, 2004, allege that the accused allowed paint stripper to enter a storm drain that discharges into Bennery Brook on August 26, 2004. The incident occurred while the accused were allegedly stripping paint from an aircraft located at the IMP Aerospace Hanger 3 Halifax International Airport facility.

Under Section 36(3) of the federal Fisheries Act it is an offence to allow a deleterious substance (such as paint stripper) to enter waters frequented by fish.

The case has been adjourned until February 23, 2005, when the defendants will return to court and enter their plea.

Environment Canada’s fisheries inspectors investigate potential pollution offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and Canada’s Fisheries Act. They help ensure that companies, government employees and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Canada’s environment.

Officers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth office, were also involved in the investigation.

For more information on this News Release, please contact :

Gary Greene, Investigator
Office of Enforcement
Atlantic Region
Environment Canada
(902) 426-6619