Teck Fined for 2008 Spill

By 250 News

Following an investigation by the Ministry of Environment's Commercial Environmental Investigation Unit (CEIU), Teck (formerly known as Teck Cominco) was sentenced in Rossland provincial court for a chemical spill that took place on May 28, 2008 in Trail, B.C.

On Sept. 2, 2009, Teck pleaded guilty to one count under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) for "introducing business waste into the environment." On Dec. 2, 2009, the company was sentenced to a total
penalty of $115,000, it is the largest fine in B.C. history for a single count under the legislation.

The penalty will be divided as follows: a fine of $5,000, and a creative sentencing provision of $110,000 that directs funds to White Sturgeon compensation on the Columbia River.

On May 28, 2008, Teck discharged 900 kilograms of lead refinery electrolyte and 360 litres of acid into the Columbia River following a technical failure at its Trail lead and zinc refinery. The spill occurred when a heat-exchange unit failed, resulting in chemicals spilling down a storm water drain, which leads into the Columbia River. The release of lead refinery electrolyte took place over a five-hour period.

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