NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
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The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has convicted - Domtar Inc., Espanola (Espanola Pulp and Paper Company) of an Environmental Protection Act violation.
Description of Offence - The conviction relates to failing to notify the ministry of a spill that caused or was likely to cause an adverse effect.
Date of Offence - on or about August 29, 2016
Date of Conviction - April 12, 2018
Penalty Imposed - Domtar Inc. was convicted of one violation under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and was fined $50,000 plus Victim Fine Surcharge (VFS) of $12,500 and was given 60 days to pay the fine.
Background -
- Domtar Inc. owns and operates a pulp and paper mill on Station Road in the Town of Espanola.
- On or about August 29, 2016, there was a discharge of sodium sulphate salt (commonly referred to as salt cake) into the community of Espanola from the Domtar facility.
- The discharge was as a result of a salt cake buildup and a resulting failure of a precipitator on a recovery boiler.
- Although salt cake is a white, odourless powder and is regarded as non-toxic, several complaints were received from area residents who indicated that the substance coated their vehicles, yards, and or outdoor furniture.
- Domtar did not report the discharge to the ministry until August 30, 2016.
- The incident was referred to the ministry's Investigations and Enforcement Branch, resulting in charges and the conviction.
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