News Release

For immediate release
September 19, 2007

CHATHAM-KENT FINED $10,000 FOR FAILING TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ITS WATER SYSTEM

CHATHAM-KENT – The Corporation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has been fined $10,000, plus a victim fine surcharge, after pleading guilty to failing to ensure that its water treatment equipment was operating while water was being supplied and that its equipment was able to maintain the required chlorine residual concentration as set out by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Corporation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent owns and operates a drinking water system located at 113 Main Street, in the former Village of Highgate, referred to as the Highgate Well Supply.

In April 2006, an inspection was undertaken by the Ministry of the Environment at the Highgate Well supply. The inspection identified low chlorine residuals and inadequate ultraviolet disinfection on four occasions between May 2005 and March 2006.

The town was charged following an investigation by the Ministry of the Environment’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch.

The Corporation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent pleaded guilty to violations under the Safe Drinking Water Act in connection with the operation of its water treatment equipment and failing to ensure that free chlorine concentration was maintained as required at its drinking water system. The corporation was fined $10,000, plus a victim fine surcharge, and was given 30 days to pay.

Justice of the Peace Lorenzo Palumbo heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, on August 29, 2007.

-30-

For further information:
John Steele Communications Branch 416-314-6666
Contact information for the general public: 416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923/ www.ontario.ca/environment

 

Back to News Releases