Walkerton ON (11/28/2018) – Convicted – Ontario Clean Water Agency

Court Location – Walkerton

Description of Offence – The conviction relates to failing to ensure that the Saugeen Shores Drinking Water System was operated by persons who had the proper training and expertise to fulfil their operational duties.

Date of Offence – During the period beginning on or about July 1, 2015 and ending on or about August 3, 2016

Date of Conviction – November 20, 2018

Penalty Imposed – On November 20, 2018, the Ontario Clean Water Agency was convicted of one violation under the Safe Drinking Water Act and was fined $20,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $5,000, with 60 days to pay.

Background –

The Ontario Clean Water Agency is the operating authority for the Saugeen Shores Drinking Water System.
During the period between July 7, 2015 and July 16, 2016, the Ontario Clean Water Agency employed a drinking water system operator whose certification had expired on June 30, 2015. The employee’s application for renewal of the certificate was refused because he had not completed the required training hours.
Therefore, during the period of more than 200 days, the operator fulfilled operational duties at the Saugeen Shores Drinking Water System, Lehnen Street location, although he had failed to complete the required training and was not certified to operate the system.
The ministry’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch investigated and laid charges resulting in the conviction.

Media Contacts Members of the media : Gary Wheeler Communications Branch 416-314-6666
Contact information for the general public: 416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923