ARICHAT, Nova Scotia, May 3, 2004 - Emera Fuels Incorporated and an Emera Fuels driver are scheduled to appear in Nova Scotia provincial court in Arichat, Nova Scotia on May 5, 2004, to enter a plea for an alleged violation of subsection 36(3) of the federal Fisheries Act.

Environment Canada laid charges against Emera Fuels Incorporated of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and an Emera employee, in provincial court in Port Hawkesbury on March 16, 2004. It is alleged that the defendants deposited diesel fuel into L'Archeveque Harbour, Cape Breton on July 17, 2003, while fueling a fishing vessel. Under the federal Fisheries Act, it is an offense to deposit or to permit the deposition of a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish.

The charges are the result of an investigation by Environment Canada Enforcement, Atlantic Region Office. Environment Canada's Enforcement staff investigates potential pollution offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) and the federal Fisheries Act. They help ensure that companies, government, and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Atlantic Canada's environment.

For more information on Environment Canada's Atlantic Region programs please visit the Green Lane at: http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/index_e.html

For further information, please contact:

Micheline Savard
Investigator
Environment Canada
(902) 426-6895

Sebastien Bois
Media Relations
Environment Canada
(819) 953-4016