$110,000 penalty for discharging untreated sewage into Burrard Inlet

April 7 2014 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Environment Canada

The Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (GVSDD) has pleaded guilty in British Columbia Provincial Court to one count of an offence under the Fisheries Act, related to a release of untreated sewage into Burrard Inlet. The GVSDD was sentenced to pay a $110,000 penalty.

On July 22, 2011, Environment Canada received notification that untreated sewage, which is deleterious to fish, was discharging into Burrard Inlet. The release occurred when one of the pumps at the Chilco Sewage Pump Station became partially plugged with debris. It is estimated 650,000 litres of untreated sewage was discharged into Burrard Inlet through a combined sewage outfall near Brockton Point in Stanley Park.

The $110,000 penalty has been allocated as follows:

• $5,000 is a fine under the Fisheries Act.
• $105,000 is to be paid into the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF).

The EDF is administered by Environment Canada to direct funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit for our natural environment. 

Quick Facts

• EDF funds from the GVSDD will be directed towards projects specific to proper management and control of fisheries or fish habitat, or the conservation and protection of fish or fish habitat. 
• The GVSDD maintains and operates the regional trunk sewers, pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants that connect with municipal sewer systems.

Contacts

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008