BP Canada fined $800K
Fine tied to March 27 vapour release
Last Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2009 | 7:53 AM ET
CBC News
BP Canada Energy Co. has been fined $800,000 and charged about $200,000 more for victims' costs, after pleading guilty Wednesday to charges under Ontario's Environmental Protection Act.
Environment ministry spokesperson Kate Jordan says it's the single largest fine that's been issued under Section 14 of that legislation.
The charges stem from a natural gas vapour release in Sarnia, Ont., on March 27. Early that day, nearly 100 Sarnia residents complained to police about a strong rotten-egg type odour that caused nausea, and eye and mouth irritation.
Ministry investigators, along with city police and government forensic computer experts conducted a raid at the company's Sarnia offices in August.
Jordan says evidence collected in the search was key to moving the investigation along.
BP's fractionation plant in Sarnia produces natural gas liquids.
In a 2002 environmental statement, Richard Hookway, the company's natural gas liquids business unit leader, said BP's goals "are simply stated — no accidents, no harm to people and no damage to the environment."
