News Release

For immediate release
December 5, 2007

GORDON WILLIAM PARKER AND DAVID GASKELL FINED $5,000 EACH FOR FAILING TO REPORT ADVERSE DRINKING WATER TEST RESULTS

ST. CATHARINES — Gordon William Parker and David Gaskell have been fined $5,000 each, plus a victim fine surcharge, after pleading guilty to violations under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Regional Municipality of Niagara owns and operates a water treatment plant located at 300 Rosehill Road near the Town of Fort Erie.  Gordon William Parker and David Gaskell are employed as operators at this treatment plant.

The Court heard that on the morning of May 23, 2006, the Ministry of the Environment received notification of adverse drinking water test results obtained at the plant during the previous 24 hours.  These results indicated that water in the plant exceeded its turbidity limit.  Mr. Parker and Mr. Gaskell were operating the plant when these incidents occurred.  Both operators took action to correct the problems, but neither reported the incidents to the Ministry of the Environment and the local Medical Officer of Health as required. 

Gordon William Parker and David Gaskell were charged following an investigation by the Ministry of the Environment’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch.

Gordon William Parker and David Gaskell each pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Safe Drinking Water Act.  The men were fined $5,000 each, plus a victim fine surcharge.  Gordon William Parker was given three months to pay the fine, and David Gaskell was given one year to pay the fine.

Justice of the Peace T. Froese heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines, Ontario, and imposed sentence on November 16, 2007.

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For further information

Members of the media:
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

 

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