Imperial Oil Fined for Polluting River

Imperial Oil, the energy giant storing volatile petroleum tank rail cars right next to homes and two wildlife conservation areas just east of Edmonton, has recently been fined $185,000 by the federal government. Imperial Oil pleaded guilty to releasing a harmful substance into fish-bearing waters and violating conditions of its water license, which are contraventions of both the federal Fisheries Act and Northwest Territories Waters Act. The company released NALCO 7390 (a substance used to reduce corrosion) into the MacKenzie River between October 4 and November 2, 2009. See this Canada News Wire article, Sun News article and CBC News coverage for details. Environment Canada and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada investigated together and jointly laid the charges.

And, CBC News reports that Imperial Oil is finally cleaning up a mess they left in an abandoned gas station in Old Strathcona, Edmonton. Residents and businesses have been complaining for years about the unsightly and hazardous site right in the middle of a vibrant business area.

~ by railroaded on September 17, 2011.