PARKBEG – Dumping demolition material where you’re not supposed to can result in major fines. That’s what a rural municipality, a construction company, and two individuals found out recently.
The charges laid under the Environmental Management and Protection Act stem from an incident on Dec. 16, 2022, when a caller to the Turn In Poachers and Polluters tip line made a report of unlawful burning near the small town of Parkbeg.
“Conservation officers investigated and found that several houses in Parkbeg had been demolished and the resulting waste hauled to two nearby properties,” said a Government of Saskatchewan news release. “At one site, materials were dumped in a pit and burned, including toxic materials like asphalt shingles, painted lumber and other construction waste. The concrete foundations were dumped at the second site.”
On May 30, the RM of Wheatlands, Morsky Industrial Services and landowners Dale Young and Aaron Lambert all pleaded guilty for their involvement. The RM, Morsky, and Young were each fined $21,000, while Lambert received a $7,000 fine. All money goes to the province's Impacted Sites Fund.
“Improper waste disposal can be dangerous to human health, as well as pose serious environmental risks,” the release stated. “Construction and demolition waste, other than clean wood, is illegal to burn because of the dangerous pollutants they emit and the contamination they leave behind.”
If anyone suspects violations related to wildlife, fisheries or environmental concerns, the Saskatchewan TIPP line is 1-800-667-7561 or online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. Those reporting can stay anonymous and may also be eligible for cash rewards for their information.
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