Resident Sentenced To Jail For Failing to comply with Clean-Up Order
Peterborough - Clifford W. Johnson of Peterborough was sentenced to 90 days in jail for failing to comply with a court order requiring him to remove motor oil contaminated soil from a residential property located on Old Norwood Road in the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan.
"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," said Environment Minister Jim Bradley.
On September 21, 2009, Clifford W. Johnson pleaded guilty to two violations under the Environmental Protection Act after an investigation revealed that he was responsible for depositing excavated contaminated soil from a former auto body shop onto a residential property, not approved as a waste disposal site. The residential property owner was led to believe that the soil was clean fill and not contaminated.
Mr. Johnson returned to court on May 17, 2010 and was fined $6,000 and a court order was issued requiring him to remove all contaminated soil within 150 days. Mr. Johnson failed to comply with the order, was charged and yesterday sentenced to 90 days in jail.
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
