Distributions Limotrique Inc. fined $52,500 for violating PCB Regulations

May 3, 2018 – Sherbrooke, Quebec

Canadians value clean water and a sustainable environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers work to protect our environment through the enforcement of federal environmental laws.

On April 20, 2018, Distributions Limotrique Inc. pleaded guilty, in the Sherbrooke Courthouse, to three charges, and the company was fined $52,500 for violating the PCB Regulations, thereby committing offences under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act,1999.

The investigation conducted by Environment and Climate Change Canada found that a number of violations were committed in April 2015, including

• Releasing PCBs into the environment in a concentration greater than 50 mg/kg;
• Processing PCBs or a product containing PCBs in a concentration greater than 50 mg/kg; and
• Failing to store PCBs at a PCB storage site and to send the PCBs or products containing PCBs for destruction.

In addition, the court ordered Distributions Limotrique Inc. to

• Develop policies and procedures, within a year, aimed at guaranteeing appropriate management of PCBs and other regulated toxic substances;
• Develop and implement, within a year, a training program for employees who handle these substances; and
• Refrain from importing or exporting electrical equipment (new or used) if they fail to comply with legal and regulatory requirements in effect.

The amount of the fine will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect our natural environment.

Quick facts

• PCBs are toxic industrial chemical substances that are harmful to aquatic ecosystems and species that feed primarily on aquatic organisms.
• The Department’s enforcement officers conduct inspections and investigations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. They ensure that regulated businesses and individuals comply with environmental-protection legislation.
• The Environmental Damages Fund was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our natural environment.
• Distributions Limotrique Inc. will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.

Contacts

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca