QUÉBEC COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY TO IMPORTING HAZARDOUS WASTE

Edmundston, NB - June 27, 2002 - L’entreprise Québec Métal Recyclé (FNF) Inc. has appeared in Edmundston Provincial Court and pleaded guilty to three charges under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) for importing waste batteries. The company was fined $4500 and ordered to dispose of the batteries according to law. This is the first conviction in Atlantic Canada for an offence of this type.

Environment Canada laid the charges after Canada Customs and Revenue Agency staff in St. Leonard, New Brunswick found 11 cases of industrial batteries on a truck crossing the border into Canada in September 2001.

Québec Métal Recyclé (FNF) Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to give notice of shipment of the batteries, failing to get a permit for importing the batteries and unlawfully importing the batteries.

Under CEPA's Export - Import of Hazardous Waste Regulations, Environment Canada must be notified of any intended shipment of hazardous waste into Canada. Environment Canada and other government partners can then determine whether a hazardous waste shipment complies with regulations for the protection of human health and the environment.

Environment Canada's Office of Enforcement staff investigate potential pollution offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and the federal Fisheries Act. Enforcement staff help ensure that companies, government staff and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Atlantic Canada's environment.

For further information, please contact:

Glen Ehler
Investigator, Office of Enforcement
Environment Canada
(902) 426-4932