Released on November 13, 2013
A Saskatchewan oil company was recently fined a total of $56,000 in Hudson Bay Provincial Court for failing to reclaim four well drilling sites located near Preeceville.
Western Warner Oils Ltd. was convicted of failing to comply with the terms of a licence and fined $42,000. The company was also convicted of failing to comply with a Minister’s Order and fined a further $14,000. All charges were laid under The Forest Resources Management Act. The court also imposed an order requiring that the sites be reclaimed within one year.
The company had been exploring for oil on several sites in the provincial forest north of Preeceville, clearing vegetation and installing drilling equipment, under licences from the Ministry of Environment. The company failed to restore the sites to their predevelopment state as required. The company also failed to comply with a subsequent order to reclaim the sites, resulting in the additional charge.
“Companies working in Crown forests must understand their licence obligations,” Ministry of Environment Landscape Stewardship Executive Director Jennifer McKillop said. “In many situations, these include restoring the site as closely as possible to its natural state once the work on the site is completed. This way, developments can proceed in a manner that minimizes the long-term impact on the forest and ensures that the environment is protected.”
Anyone who is aware of or who suspects environmental, forestry, fisheries or wildlife violations is encouraged to report their concerns to any Ministry of Environment office or to call the province’s toll-free TIP line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cell phone subscribers. Callers may be eligible for rewards through the SaskTip Reward Program.
Through its 44 offices across the province, the Ministry of Environment provides science-based solutions, compliance and mitigation measures aimed at protecting the environment, safeguarding communities and helping to meet the challenges of economic growth.
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For more information, contact:
Val Nicholson
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2459
Email: val.nicholson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-981-5645