City of Trail Company Faces Federal Hazardous Waste Charges

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – May 6, 2005 - Environment Canada laid charges against Toxco Waste Management Ltd. of Trail, British Columbia, on April 27, 2005, for allegedly importing hazardous waste without a permit in 2003 and 2004.

The company has been charged with four counts under subsection 185(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The charges stem from the alleged importation of four shipments of used lithium and potassium hydroxide batteries from the United States and Israel. The hazardous waste was allegedly imported in August and December 2003, and February and March of 2004, through the Ports of Entry of Paterson and Vancouver, British Columbia.

A date for a first appearance in Provincial Court has been set for May 12, 2005, in Rossland, British Columbia.

Subsection 185(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 prohibits the import of hazardous waste into Canada without a federal permit. The maximum penalty for such an offence is a $1,000,000 fine and three years imprisonment on indictment, or a $300,000 fine and six months imprisonment on summary conviction.

The charges follow an investigation by enforcement officers of Environment Canada’s Environmental Protection Branch in Vancouver, British Columbia. Environment Canada’s enforcement staff investigates alleged offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the Canada’s Fisheries Act, to ensure that companies, governments and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect the Canadian environment.

For more information, please contact:

John Dyck
Head, Investigations Section
Environment Canada
Pacific and Yukon Region
(604) 666-3647

Janet Butler
Communications Advisor
Environment Canada
Pacific and Yukon Region
(604) 713-9525

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