Charges laid against Irving Oil Ltd.

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced today that charges have been laid against Irving Oil Ltd. in relation to the diesel spill incident that occurred on January 9, 1997 on the Southside Hills in St. John's.

The incident in question involved a loss of 116,000 litres of diesel fuel from the Irving Oil storage tanks into the surrounding area and the St. John's harbour. Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, charges were laid for alleged violations of the Gasoline and Associated Products Regulations and the Environment Act which are meant to prevent pollution of soil and water.

An investigation was conducted by officials of the Government Services Centre on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Labour. Mr. Aylward stated: "We require companies operating these types of facilities to do so with the utmost of care and in accordance with strict environmental regulations. The provincial government will not tolerate environmentally unacceptable practices."

The maximum fine that could be levied against the company under provincial legislation is $25,000 for each offence.

Meanwhile, officials with the Department of Environment and Labour and the Government Services Centre are investigating two separate incidents involving Irving Oil that occurred in the past week.

Contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.