News Release

Leddy Exploration Ltd. Fined for Environmental Violation

CALGARY, April 25, 2007 - Leddy Exploration Ltd. (Leddy) of Calgary, Alberta, was sentenced in Alberta Provincial Court to a fine of $2,500 and a contribution of $40,000 to the Environmental Damages Fund, after pleading guilty to one count of violating subsection 36(3) of the federal Fisheries Act, which protects fish-bearing waters from the deposit of any substance that is harmful to fish and aquatic life.  

In May 2004, Leddy released crude oil from a pipeline into Poplar Creek, near Winfield, Alberta.  Crude oil is considered a deleterious substance as defined by the Fisheries Act. Charges were laid in May 2005 after an investigation by Environment Canada.

The Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment Canada and is used to help restore ecosystems.  The monies contributed by Leddy to the Fund will be used to establish a trout lake in the area where the release occurred.  As part of a creative sentencing process, Leddy will make a presentation at a Western Canada Spill Services Oil Spill Co-op exercise about the events that led to the release and suggestions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

First offences under subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act are punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to $300,000, and for subsequent offences, a fine of up to $300,000 or six months imprisonment, or both.  Indictable offences can result in a maximum $1,000,000 fine for a first offence, and for subsequent offences, a maximum $1,000,000 fine or three years imprisonment, or both.

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

For more information, please contact:

Ryan Levitt
Enforcement Officer
Environmental Protection Branch
Environment Canada
(780) 951-8631