Court Bulletin

For immediate release
September 30, 2009

ONTARIO CLEAN WATER AGENCY (OCWA) SHELBURNE FINED $20,000 FOR APPROVAL VIOLATIONS

ORANGEVILLE — On July 8, 2009, Ontario Clean Water Agency (Shelburne) was fined $10,000 for each of two convictions plus a victim fine surcharge, after pleading guilty to violations under the Ontario Water Resources Act.  These convictions relate to non-compliance with the Certificate of Approval and involve partially treated wastewater in the Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Plant holding ponds escaping without full treatment and failing to ensure that the wastewater treatment equipment was properly operated and maintained.  OCWA was given 60 days to pay the fine.

The Court heard that the Shelburne Wastewater Treatment Plant is owned by the Town of Shelburne and operated under contract by OCWA. The plant is operated under the authority of a Certificate of Approval issued by the ministry to the Town of Shelburne.  On April 3, 2007, the temporarily stored wastewater in the plant’s holding ponds overflowed and escaped onto a neighbouring property and eventually into the Beasley Drain.  Ministry staff responded to the spill and found that the wastewater in the holding ponds discharged without full treatment and in addition, OCWA had failed to properly operate and maintain the Works and the related equipment.  Both findings were in contravention of the Certificate of Approval.

OCWA (Shelburne) was charged following an investigation by the Ministry of the Environment’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch.

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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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