Major Montreal property management firm fined $975,000 for improper handling of electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
MONTREAL, Dec. 22, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The effective and strict enforcement of Canadian environmental and wildlife protection legislation is one way that Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) meets its commitment to maintaining clean air and water and to protecting wildlife and their habitats.
On December 20, 2016, Tidan Inc. and seven associated companies pleaded guilty to 52 charges and were fined $975,000 for violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and the PCB Regulations. The offenders will also have to publish an article on the facts surrounding their violations and develop procedures to manage their contaminated electrical equipment for all of their buildings. They will also have to provide training for their managers and staff.
The investigation conducted by ECCC showed that Tidan Group did not follow the environmental protection compliance orders issued by the Department's enforcement officers and did not meet its obligations related to the use, storage and disposal of electrical equipment containing PCBs. Tidan Group also failed to submit reports on the use and storage of its electrical equipment to the Department.
The fine that is collected will be paid into the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
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 CEPA. They ensure that regulated organizations are in compliance with environmental legislation. As a result of this conviction, Tidan Group will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.
The EDF is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Created in 1995, it provides a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit our environment.
Associated links
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Environmental Offenders Registry
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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)
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