Avjet Holding Inc., a company specializing in aviation fuel distribution, was fined 200,000 dollars by the Quebec Court. The company pleaded guilty to a charge of violating the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999). The penalty is related to an incident that occurred on January 17-18, 2023, during which 4,900 liters of petroleum product were spilled into the environment.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) launched an investigation after being informed of the incident at the Natashquan Airport, located in Quebec. Law enforcement officers found that the spill was caused by two valves left open by an Avjet Holding Inc. employee, as well as a defective valve on the storage system at the site. The company therefore violated the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, which aim to minimize the risk of soil and groundwater contamination following spills.
Fine allocated to the Environmental Damages Fund
The 200,000 dollars fine will be paid to the Environmental Damages Fund, a federal initiative managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. This fund supports projects aimed at repairing environmental damages in regions affected by pollution incidents or regulatory infractions.
The Environmental Damages Fund was established to ensure that amounts collected from fines or voluntary payments are reinvested in environmental rehabilitation initiatives in affected communities. In this specific case, the collected funds will be used to support projects that have a positive impact on Canada’s natural environments.
Listed in the Environmental Offenders Registry
As a result of this conviction, Avjet Holding Inc. will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry, a public database that compiles companies found guilty of violations of federal environmental laws. This registry aims to ensure transparency and deter other companies from committing similar offenses.
The Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations, which apply to tanks with a storage capacity of more than 230 liters, were designed to prevent environmental risks associated with fuel leaks. Violations of this regulation are taken very seriously by federal authorities, who seek to maintain strict standards to protect the quality of Canada’s soil and water.
Legal context of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999) covers several aspects of environmental regulation, including the management of toxic substances, air and water pollution, and the prevention of hazardous material spills. This legislative framework imposes strict standards for companies operating in Canada, particularly those handling products potentially harmful to the environment.
Since its implementation, the law has been strengthened by the introduction of additional regulations, such as those governing storage tank systems for petroleum products and allied petroleum products. ECCC enforcement officers play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and applying sanctions when violations are found.
The pronounced fine reflects the authorities’ intent to penalize any breach of these regulatory obligations. Companies must ensure full compliance with these requirements to avoid similar penalties in the future.
