Dry cleaner fined $10,000 for environmental violations
April 2, 2015 - Pincher Creek, Alberta
Larry Saretzky, director of Prestige Cleaners, operating in Blairmore, Alberta, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2015, in the Alberta Provincial Court of Justice, for contravening the Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999).
Environment Canada enforcement officers discovered the offences during an inspection in August of 2013, which included improper storage and containment of tetrachloroethylene, commonly known as PERC.
Under the CEPA, 1999, as amended by the Environmental Enforcement Act, the director received two mandatory minimum fines of $5,000 each, to be paid to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF). The EDF is administered by Environment Canada and awards funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to projects that will benefit our natural environment. The mandatory minimum penalty is aimed at promoting compliance with federal environmental legislation.
Quick Facts
- Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) is a commonly used dry-cleaning solvent, and is listed as a toxic substance under CEPA, 1999.
- The Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations aim to reduce PERC releases into the environment, where it has the potential to contaminate ground and surface water.
- CEPA, 1999, is an important part of Canada’s body of federal environmental legislation. It is an Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development
Contacts
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008