Leader Dry Cleaners sentenced for environmental violations

January 28, 2015 - Edmonton, Alberta

Leader Dry Cleaners (All Happiness Holdings Ltd.), a dry cleaner operating in Edmonton, Alberta, pleaded guilty on January 26, 2015, in Alberta Provincial Court of Justice, for violating the Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999).

The violation was identified during an inspection by Environment Canada enforcement officers in 2013.

The company pleaded guilty and was fined $25,000 for improper storage of tetrachloroethylene, a toxic substance, commonly known as PERC. The fine will be paid to the Environmental Damages Fund. As a result of this conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offender’s Registry.

Quick Facts

• Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) is a dry-cleaning solvent, and is designated as a toxic substance under CEPA, 1999, as it has the potential to contaminate ground and surface water.
• The Environmental Offenders Registry contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws. The Registry contains convictions recorded for offences committed since June 18, 2009--when the Environmental Enforcement Act received Royal Assent.
• CEPA, 1999, is an important part of Canada’s body of federal environmental legislation. It is an Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development.
• The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is administered by Environment Canada. It was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit our natural environment. All fines paid as a result CEPA, 1999, offences are directed to EDF.

Associated Links

Environmental Offenders Registry

CEPA Environmental Registry

Environmental Damages Fund

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Contacts

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008