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Domtar dinged for environmental violations

Domtar Inc. has been fined for environmental violations related to its Espanola operations. On Dec.

Domtar Inc. has been fined for environmental violations related to its Espanola operations.

On Dec. 17, Domtar was sentenced in Ontario Provincial Court for violating the Fisheries Act and was ordered to pay $75,000, of which $67,500 will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.

Domtar pleaded guilty to one count pursuant to subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act for offences occurring at its mill in Espanola between Dec. 14 and 16, 2010. Domtar failed to adhere to the regulatory limits for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and thereby deposited effluent that was deleterious to fish, contrary to the Fisheries Act. Discharge of BOD matter into water leads to the consumption of oxygen in the receiving water which may render the water uninhabitable to fish and other aquatic organisms.

Environment Canada's enforcement personnel conduct inspections and investigations under a number of acts and regulations including the Fisheries Act. They help ensure that companies, government entities and the general public comply with legislation and regulations that protect Canada's environment.