Released on December 9, 2015
A Lloydminster man was recently fined $15,400 by a provincial court judge in Loon Lake after pleading guilty to failing to comply with an order and altering the shoreline of Makwa Lake, located west of the City of Meadow Lake.In September of 2013, conservation officers acting on behalf of the Water Security Agency (WSA) received a public complaint. It was found the individual doing the shoreline work to remove a hillside cabin in the Pine Cove area on Makwa Lake for the construction of a new cabin did not obtain an Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit.
During construction of a project, some building materials used can be harmful or toxic to aquatic organisms. By obtaining an Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit, residents can complete a development project in a responsible way. These permits are required by WSA to protect aquatic habitat by ensuring shorelines are not eroded and water quality in the area is not affected by construction.
During the investigation by WSA and conservation officers, the individual was issued a stop work order and notice of intent to issue an environmental protection order. The individual continued to do work within the bed bank and boundary despite the order.
“Before any shoreline work can begin, property owners need to obtain an Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit, and not complying with an order is considered a serious offence,” Environmental and Municipal Management Services Executive Director Sam Ferris said. “When conducting work in and around water, residents are asked to contact an Aquatic Habitat Protection Specialist in their area.”
On November 5, 2015, Reid Keebaugh of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan was convicted of two counts under sections 74(1)c and 36(1)a of the Environment Management and Protection Act, 2002 for failing to comply with an Order of the Minister and altering the configuration of the bed, bank or boundary of any waterbody without a permit.
A conviction for altering a creek or shoreline without the proper permits carries a maximum fine of $1 million.
If someone suspects an environmental violation call the Turn in Poachers line toll-free 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.
Information on Aquatic Habitat Protection can be found at www.wsask.ca/AHP.
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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