Environment Canada: Atlantic Region News Releases

SUMMERSIDE, PEI, December 2, 2003 – A potato grower from Kelvin Grove, Prince Edward Island, has been charged under subsection 36(3) of Canada’s Fisheries Act.

Mr. Caseley will appear in Summerside Provincial Court for a plea on December 11. The charges are the result of an investigation by Environment Canada into a fish kill on the Wilmot River on July 10, 2002.

The charges allege that Mr. Caseley allowed pesticide contaminated soil and water run-off to enter the Wilmot River at Norboro, Prince Edward Island. About 4,500 dead trout were recovered from the Wilmot River after the incident.

Under Canada’s Fisheries Act, it is an offence to deposit, or permit the deposition of, a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish.

Environment Canada’s Enforcement officers investigate potential pollution offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 ( CEPA 99) 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.

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For further information, please contact:

David Aggett
Office of Enforcement
Environment Canada, Atlantic Region
(902) 426-1925