Reaction has come in on the news that the City of North Battleford was fined $4,900 after pleading guilty to failing to operate their waterworks in accordance to its permit to operate, contrary to s.23(6) of the Environmental Management and Protection Act.
The charges cover the period from March 2012 to August 2013.
In a statement issued Friday, the Water Security Agency noted the charges were laid following an inspection of the water treatment plant on July 29 and 30 of last year.
That inspection, according to the WSA, turned up such contraventions as failure to keep and provide records of turpidity trend data, failure to conduct required water quality monitoring for some constituents and failing to conduct a monthly review of the waterworks operational records.
While the Agency did note the City had contravened their waterworks permit, they did note that regular bacteriological testing water quality monitoring took place in North Battleford during this period and produced satisfactory results. The water supply was adequately maintained throughout that time, and there was no failure to the water filtration system at the time.
An inspection on Feb. 19, 2014 showed both water plants were complying with the permit requirements.
Sam Ferris, executive director of its Environmental and Municipal Management Services Division, made clear the importance of compliance with the permits.
"Complying with the requirements in the waterworks permit is clearly outlined and each aspect is important to ensure a safe drinking water supply," said Ferris. "The WSA remains vigilant at all times to ensure municipalities are complying with regulatory and permit requirements and are delivering safe drinking water."
The City of North Battleford also issued a statement following the guilty plea. They admitted a total of four tests were missed from the period from March 30, 2012 to August 1, 2013.
Mayor Ian Hamilton noted it was the City itself that noted and reported the missed tests.
"Water quality was never threatened and the water has been and continues to be safe," said Hamilton in a statement. "The City of North Battleford noted the missed tests and reported the error to the Ministry of Environment last summer."
Hamilton also said the City completed an internal audit to ensure no other tests had been missed, and that procedures are in place to ensure total regulatory compliance.
