Released on August 22, 2014
Cando Contracting was fined a total of $12,600 in provincial court for unauthorized alteration of the shoreline on the Chitek River near Meadow Lake.Cando Contracting of Brandon, Manitoba was convicted in July under The Environmental Management and Protection Act on one count of unlawfully altering the bed, bank or boundary of the Chitek River without a valid permit.
In addition to the fines, Cando Contracting complied with an Environmental Protection Order to reclaim the site in accordance with a remediation plan.
Meadow Lake conservation officers investigated the complaint in August 2013 and found that a portion of the shoreline on the Chitek River had been disturbed and a considerable number of old creosote railway bridge ties had been stockpiled, with evidence of creosote leaching into the river.
The Chitek River flows into the Meadow Lake River, which is a source of drinking water for the community of Meadow Lake. At the time of the incident, the Water Security Agency advised the city to shut its water intake valves to the water system until tests confirmed that the water was safe.
“Before starting any work in or near water it is very important to obtain the necessary permits from the Water Security Agency and make sure any plans meet environmental regulations,” Executive Director of Environmental and Municipal Management Services Sam Ferris said. “Unauthorized work around water has the potential to affect many people particularly if that work could potentially contaminate drinking water.”
If someone suspects an environmental violation, call Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn in Poachers line at 1-800-667-7651 or #5555 for SaskTel cell phone subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/conservation. Those who report a violation may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.
The Water Security Agency was created to lead implementation of the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan. The plan will improve water management capacity and service to individuals, businesses and communities across Saskatchewan. The agency brings together all of the major responsibilities related to water quality and quantity.
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For more information, contact:
Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8914
Email: Patrick.Boyle@wsask.ca
Cell: 306-631-6997