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St. Thomas– The Municipality of West Elgin and three of its water distribution system operators were fined $154,500 in St.Thomas Provincial Offences Court on Friday January 4, 2013 for drinking water violations including providing false information and failing to report adverse test results. Additionally one of the operators was sentenced to 30 days in jail and received a Court Order as a result of charges by the Ministry’s Investigation and Enforcement Branch.

“Environmental protection legislation protects communities and the environment. Breaking these rules can result in serious penalties and is an offence the ministry takes very seriously”, Environment Minister Jim Bradley.

The Corporation of the Municipality of West Elgin is the owner of a water distribution system that distributes drinking water to its residents.  Lloyd Jarvis was the lead operator for the system. Chad Yokom and Michael Kalita were certified operators.  Ministry staff conducted an inspection and found that that the minimum level of chlorine had not been maintained in the system, log books had been altered and false information had been provided to the ministry. In addition, the operators did not report occurrences to the ministry or the Medical Officer of Health when chlorine levels in the distribution system were below the minimum level.

The Municipality of West Elgin, Lloyd Jarvis, Michael Kalita and Chad Yokom were fined a total of $154,500 plus victim fine surcharges of $38,625.  The municipality was given 30 days and the operators 180 days to pay their fines. Mr. Jarvis was sentenced to 30 days in jail and ordered to surrender his certificate to operate a drinking water system and not to work at or operate any business or employment concerning or related to drinking water. 

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