Marine Polluter Penalized $15k

A Prince Edward Island provincial court judge has ordered the vessel BBC Nordland to pay a $15k penalty for illegally discharging a pollutant in Canadian waters. On February 22, 2008, the BBC Nordland, a Gibraltar registered General Dry Cargo vessel, that was docked at the Port of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, spilled approximately 300 litres of hydraulic oil during offloading operations.

As a result of the investigation carried out by Transport Canada, charges under the Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals of the Canada Shipping Act were laid against the vessel in Prince Edward Island provincial court. The vessel pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal discharge of a pollutant in provincial court in Summerside, PEI and was subsequently fined $15k The penalty was divided evenly, with $5k going to the court, $5k to the Environmental Damages Fund and $5k to the University of Prince Edward Island biology department for marine research.

John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, said Canada remains vigilant in bringing polluters to justice. "Canadians place a high priority on the protection of the natural environment and Transport Canada continues to send the message that pollution will not be tolerated," said Minister Baird.