Environment Canada: Atlantic Region News Releases

MONCTON, November 3, 2003 - Environment Canada has laid charges against Newco Construction Ltd. of Moncton, New Brunswick, under subsection 36(3) of the federal Fisheries Act.

It is alleged that between May 1, 1996, to July 1, 2003, Newco Construction Ltd. deposited or permitted the deposit of acutely lethal textile mill effluent into Humphreys Brook, a tributary of the Petitcodiac River. The charges relate to construction work Newco undertook between 1994 and 1996 at Tandem Fabrics Inc., a textile mill in Moncton. Under the Fisheries Act, it is an offense to deposit, or to permit the deposition of, a deleterious substance into water frequented by fish.

Representatives for Newco Construction Ltd. are scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court on Wednesday, November 5, 2003.

The charges are the result of an investigation by Environment Canada’s Office of Enforcement. 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.

- 30 -

For further information, please contact:

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