Mosquito Grizzly Bear's Head Lean Man First Nation and band administrator, Arnold Moosomin, were sentenced May 24 in the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan for failing to comply with an environmental protection compliance order.
The court fined the First Nation $100,000 and Moosomin $5,000. The funds will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.
On Aug. 25, 2014, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers issued an environmental protection compliance order following an inspection to ensure compliance with the storage tank systems for petroleum products and allied petroleum products regulations.
On Oct. 6, 2015, charges were laid under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 after it was determined the First Nation and band administrator failed to comply with all of the terms of the order. The defendants were convicted following a trial.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers may issue environmental protection compliance orders to direct that various measures be taken to stop or prevent the commission of an alleged contravention.
According to a press release, the purpose of the storage tank systems for petroleum products and allied petroleum products regulations is to reduce the risk of contaminating soil and groundwater due to spills and leaks of petroleum products from storage tank systems.
