Espanola ON (4/13/2018) – Convicted – Domtar Inc.

Description of Offence – The conviction relates to failing to notify the ministry of a spill that caused or was likely to cause an adverse effect.

Date of Offence – on or about August 29, 2016

Date of Conviction – April 12, 2018

Penalty Imposed – Domtar Inc. was convicted of one violation under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and was fined $50,000 plus Victim Fine Surcharge (VFS) of $12,500 and was given 60 days to pay the fine.

Background –

Domtar Inc. owns and operates a pulp and paper mill on Station Road in the Town of Espanola.
On or about August 29, 2016, there was a discharge of sodium sulphate salt (commonly referred to as salt cake) into the community of Espanola from the Domtar facility.
The discharge was as a result of a salt cake buildup and a resulting failure of a precipitator on a recovery boiler.
Although salt cake is a white, odourless powder and is regarded as non-toxic, several complaints were received from area residents who indicated that the substance coated their vehicles, yards, and or outdoor furniture.
Domtar did not report the discharge to the ministry until August 30, 2016.
The incident was referred to the ministry’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch, resulting in charges and the conviction.

Contacts: Members of the media: Communications Branch gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca 416 314-6666
Contact information for the general public:
416-325-4000