A Saskatchewan crop sprayer and several associated companies are
scheduled to enter pleas Aug. 15 on charges of improperly handling
agricultural chemicals.
Norm Colhoun, Farm Air Ltd. and Lumsden Aero Ltd., also known as
Skynorth Aviation, appeared in Regina provincial court July 15 to face
federal and provincial charges.
The charges were laid after several incidents at the Regina Airport
between June 2000 and August 2001, when the government alleges
agricultural chemicals used for aerial application were allowed to
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spill on the asphalt.
The chemicals then allegedly washed into the storm sewer system and
flowed through Craig Golf Course and into Wascana Creek.
“Samples collected from the storm sewer system, as well as the asphalt
and loading equipment, all revealed contamination from various
agricultural chemicals,” said an Environment Canada News release
news.
Colhoun and the companies have been charged under the federal Fisheries
Act and Migratory Bird Regulations, and the provincial Environmental
Management and Protection Act.
Penalties under these acts are stiff.
The provincial law allows for fines up to $1 million, up to three years
in jail, or both.
The Fisheries Act has a maximum fine of $300,000, while the Migratory
Bird Regulations have maximum penalties of $50,000 for individuals,
$100,000 for corporations or businesses, six months in jail or both.
Earlier this year, the Regina Airport Authority won the right to
terminate Skynorth’s lease. A Queen’s Bench justice ruled the company
had breached clauses of its lease with regard to environmental
protection.
