Court Bulletin

For immediate release
July 10, 2009

SUNCOR ENERGY PRODUCTS INC. FINED $500,000 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT VIOLATIONS

SARNIA — Suncor Energy Products Inc. (Suncor) has been convicted on three counts under the Environmental Protection Act and fined a total of $500,000 plus victim fine surcharges for discharging a contaminant, namely sulphur dioxide, into the air that exceeded the regulated limit, as well as failing to comply with its Certificate of Approval.

In 2003, Suncor, which operates an oil refinery in Sarnia, Ontario, announced the construction of a low sulphur diesel fuel production facility.  The project included construction of a Sulphur Recovery Unit for the removal of sulphur from “acid gas”, which became operational in the summer of 2007.  From June 14, 2007 to August 13, 2008, Suncor reported a number of sulphur dioxide exceedances to the atmosphere.  Suncor also informed the ministry that the equipment that discharges to the atmosphere had not been constructed to the approved height.  In addition, the company failed to comply with its Certificate of Approval by not having an emergency contingency plan in place.

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

Since that time the company has made a number of equipment and process changes to minimize sulphur dioxide emissions, including reducing production levels.  The company is continuing to work with the Ministry of the Environment to complete further changes at Suncor’s refinery to ensure that its sulphur dioxide emissions comply with legislated air standards.

Justice of the Peace James Shortt heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia, Ontario and imposed sentence on July 10, 2009.

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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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