Vessel slapped with $15,000 fine for P.E.I. oil spill

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The BBC Nordland will have to pay a $15,000 penalty for illegally discharging a pollutant in Canadian waters, a Prince Edward Island court heard.

The Gibraltar registered general dry cargo vessel was docked at the Port of Summerside, P.E.I. last February and spilled about 300 litres of hydraulic oil during offloading operations.

An investigation was carried out by Transport Canada and charges were laid against the vessel. The vessel pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal discharge of a pollutant in provincial court in Summerside and was subsequently fined $15,000. The penalty was divided evenly, with $5,000 going to the court, $5,000 to the Environmental Damages Fund and $5,000 to the University of Prince Edward Island biology department for marine research.

“Canadians place a high priority on the protection of the natural environment and Transport Canada continues to send the message that pollution will not be tolerated,” said John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.