Environment and Climate Change Canada acknowledges that an inadvertent error has been made and wishes to announce a CORRECTION to its news release issued on December 16, 2016.

NOTE: The company identified in the news release issued on December 16 should have been Labrador Iron Mines Limited and not Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited. The following is a revised news release.

Mining company in Newfoundland and Labrador sentenced for Fisheries Act violations
Labrador Iron Mines Limited ordered to pay $21,000, with $15,000 directed to Environmental Damages Fund

WABUSH, NL, Dec. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadians value clean water and a sustainable environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada's (ECCC's) enforcement officers work to protect our environment through the enforcement of federal environmental laws.

On December 12, 2016, the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador sentenced Labrador Iron Mines Limited to pay $21,000 for two offences under the Fisheries Act in violation of the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations. Of the penalty, $15,000 will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF). On November 28, 2016, the company pleaded guilty, in the provincial court in Wabush, to having failed to perform effluent testing as required under the Regulations.

As a result of this conviction, the company's name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.

Quick facts

ECCC is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the pollution-prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act.
The Metal Mining Effluent Regulations impose limits on the pH level of the effluent released from mining operations and prohibit the release of effluent that is acutely lethal to fish. This is why regular testing and reporting is required under the Regulations.
Created in 1995, the EDF is a Government of Canada program administered by ECCC. The Fund follows the "polluter pays" principle and ensures that court-awarded penalties are used for projects with positive environmental impacts.

Associated links

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.

Fisheries Act

Metal Mining Effluent Regulations

Environmental Offenders Registry

Environmental Damages Fund

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)

Organization Profile

Environment and Climate Change Canada

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