The Ministry of Environment and Parks has fined GFL Environmental Inc. $22,200 for violating environmental regulations in Squamish. The penalty was imposed after the company was found to have discharged leachate into the environment from its composting facility in Brackendale.
The happened between December 22, 2022, and February 14, 2024. The Ministry’s investigation revealed that the facility’s leachate from an unlined collection pond infiltrated the ground, posing a potential environmental threat. Despite GFL’s arguments that the impact was minimal and localized, the Ministry determined that the unauthorized discharge had a polluting effect and undermined the agency’s authority.
GFL had previously been warned about similar non-compliance issues in 2020 and 2022. In its submission, the company says it has since addressed the issue, such as installing a coverall building to minimize leachate generation and trialing water treatment methodologies.
However, the Ministry noted that the unauthorized discharge remains ongoing, and GFL has not yet applied for the necessary discharge authorization.
The penalty calculation considered various factors, including the nature of the contravention, potential adverse effects, and efforts to prevent recurrence. The final penalty was adjusted from an initial proposed amount of $26,200 to $22,200, reflecting GFL’s efforts to mitigate future violations.
GFL has 30 days to pay the fine or appeal the decision to the Environmental Appeal Board.
Ricardo says
That’s a slap on the wrist, that is what I pay of utilities as a resident of squamish, LOL.