Court Bulletin

For immediate release
June 19, 2009

AMAIZEINGLY GREEN PRODUCTS FINED $325,000 FOR ODOUR DISCHARGES

COLLINGWOOD — On June 19, 2009 Amaizeingly Green Products GP Ltd. (formerly named Collingwood Ethanol GP Ltd.) pleaded guilty to two counts under the Environmental Protection Act and was fined a total of $325,000 plus victim fine surcharges.  The first count was for discharging a contaminant, namely odour, into the environment that caused an adverse effect and the second count was for operating equipment without a Certificate of Approval. 

The Court heard that the company operates a manufacturing plant in an industrial area of Collingwood.  The plant processes corn into a number of agricultural and industrial products, including ethanol.  Since 2007, the ministry and the company had received numerous complaints about odour and noise from residents in the surrounding area.   

The company has been spending money on equipment and process improvements to address noise and odour and has been complying with the requirements of a ministry Control Order.  On May 11, 2009, the company announced it would voluntarily cease operations on a temporary basis as of June 30, 2009 in order to implement further odour and noise abatement measures.

Prior to the restart of the plant, the company will provide a restart protocol and a detailed plan regarding an assessment of the effectiveness of the measures taken.  The company is providing reports and updates to all interested parties.

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

Justice of the Peace G. Solursh heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood, Ontario and imposed sentence on June 19, 2009.  The company paid the fine immediately following the court appearance.

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For further information:
Members of the media: Kate Jordan 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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