Mining company’s former president fined $15,000 for violating environmental legislation

Prince Rupert, British Columbia – January 9, 2019 – Environment and Climate Change Canada

Canadians value a safe and clean environment. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s enforcement officers strive to ensure that businesses and individuals comply with the laws and regulations administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada, which protect Canada’s natural environment.

On December 6, 2018, Benjamin Mossman, former president and CEO of Banks Island Gold Ltd., was ordered to pay a combined penalty of $15,000, in the Provincial Court of British Columbia, for violations of federal and provincial legislation. On July 13, 2018, Mossman was found guilty of one violation of the Fisheries Act ($7,500) and one violation of the provincial Environmental Management Act ($7,500).

On July 9, 2015, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers conducted a joint inspection on Banks Island with British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service; Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy; and Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. During the inspection, officers found evidence that Banks Island Gold Ltd. was discharging mine effluent into an unnamed creek and into Englishman Slough, both fish-bearing bodies of water. Mossman failed to notify any regulatory agencies of this issue, and, as a result, he was charged for and subsequently convicted of failing to notify a fishery officer or other designated person as required by the Fisheries Act.

Quick facts

• Environment and Climate Change Canada is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act, which prohibit the deposit of deleterious substances into water frequented by fish.

Contacts

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca