Environment Canada: Atlantic Region News Releases

Cavendish Farms Faces Federal Environmental Charges

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CHARLOTTETOWN, April 23, 2003 – Environment Canada has laid charges against Cavendish Farms (a division of Irving Pulp and Paper Limited) under subsection 36(3) of the federal Fisheries Act.

It is alleged that on May 9, 2002, Cavendish Farms allowed potato leachate from an organic waste disposal site (rock pit) it operated on the Claremont Station Road, near New Annan, PEI, to enter a brook that flows into the Barbara Weit River. Charges have also been laid against Ronald Clow, Cavendish Farms' Operations Manager.

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.

Representatives for Cavendish Farms and Mr. Clow are scheduled to appear in Summerside Provincial Court on May 28, 2003.

The charges are the result of an investigation by Environment Canada's Office of Enforcement, with assistance from the PEI Department of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Environment Canada's Enforcement staff investigates potential pollution offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 99) and the federal Fisheries Act. They help ensure that companies, government employees, and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Atlantic Canada's environment.

For further information, please contact:

Roger Percy
Office of Enforcement
Environment Canada, Atlantic Region
(902) 426-1925