(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

pollutants = bad

City eyeing big fines for illegal wastewater dumping

Sep 3, 2020 | 11:22 AM

Fines for dumping dangerous prohibited substances into wastewater sewers around Red Deer could soon skyrocket.

City council gave first and second reading on Monday to a Utility Bylaw amendment that would have offenders pay up $2500, $5000, or $7500 for the first, second and any subsequent offences. In default of payment, one could be imprisoned for up to six months.

The current penalties are $250, $1000, and $2500, respectively, with the same jail time if payment is not made.

According to Tim Ainscough, the city’s manager of environmental services, the rationale behind the recommendation is to better reflect the severity of illegal dumping.

High levels of prohibited substances in wastewater are typically from a corporate entity, rather than an individual, it was noted.

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“They have the potential to have a significant impact on our wastewater system and wastewater treatment plant, and a penalty of $250 that will likely cost the City tens of thousands of dollars is why we are recommending those fines be increased,” Ainscough said.

“It doesn’t happen often. Most times we’re able to work with businesses, and in my time, we’ve not had to issue a fine under (this bylaw), but the potential is there.”

The City’s list of dangerous contaminants includes, but is not limited to arsenic, barium, nickel and silver, as well as oil and grease. A violation occurs when concentrations reach a certain threshold.

Third reading will come to council at their meeting on Sept. 14.

(City of Red Deer Utility Bylaw)