Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. - conviction information for 2023-09-25
| Corporation name: | Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. |
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| Address: | 400-1190, Des Canadiens Ave. |
| City: | Montreal |
| Province/territory: | Quebec |
| Postal code: | H3B 0E3 |
| Country: | Canada |
| Sector or industry: | 331 - Primary metal manufacturing |
| Location of offense: | 1955, Mellon Blvd., Saguenay, Quebec | |
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| Case summary: | On September 17, 2019, a noxious substance spill occurred following the failure of a boiler at Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.’s Arvida plant in Saguenay, Quebec. In order to cool down the equipment for repairs, the boiler was sprayed with water. The spray water flowed into a drainage system that empties into the Saguenay River. Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. took steps to stop the flow. However, 351.3 m3 of water with a pH between 4.6 and 5.5 (acidic) was discharged into the Saguenay River. | |
| Charges: |
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| Enforcement notification: | Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. ordered to pay $500,000 for violating the Fisheries Act |
| Result: | Guilty Plea |
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| Date of conviction: | 2023-09-25 |
| Court level: | Provincial and Territorial Court |
| Nature of offense(s): |
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| Additional details about the nature of the offense: |
| Act | Regulations | Section(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Pollution Prevention provisions (subsection 36(3)) of the Fisheries Act | 36(3) |
| Date of sentencing: |
2023-09-25 |
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| Location of sentencing: | Chicoutimi Courthouse |
| Sentence(s): |
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| Amount of fine(s): | $500,000 |
| Sentencing details: |
On September 25, 2023, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. pleaded guilty before the Court of Quebec, Chicoutimi, to one count of violating of Fisheries Act ss. 36(3). Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. was ordered to pay a fine of $500,000. The entire fine will be paid to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund.
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