In an agreed statement of facts, the parties admitted starting landfill alterations without first receiving permission. The remaining charges against the parties were withdrawn.
Sentencing
The Town of Whitecourt was penalized $69,630 for its role in the offence; Woodlands County received $30,370 penalty. The funds from this conviction will be used for two creative sentencing projects. One portion will see $15,000 set aside for training for landfill operation and management. A second project, for which $80,000 will be diverted, will study how poplar trees aid in absorbing and cleaning waste-tainted water from the waste cells.
Quick facts
- The Government of Alberta relies on the public to report environmental spills and releases or environmental emergencies. To report these types of incidents, please call the 24-hour EDGE (Environmental and Dangerous Goods Emergency) hotline at 1-800-222-6514.
- Alberta Environment and Parks focuses on education, prevention and enforcement to ensure all Albertans continue to enjoy a clean and healthy environment.
- When individuals, companies or municipalities fail to comply with environmental legislation, Environment and Parks has a range of options, depending on the offence, to ensure compliance.