A man from Quebec recently received a $35,000 fine for breaking two Canadian environmental laws following a fuel spill in Dorval that led to substantial pollution of nearby water bodies. The Court of Québec issued the penalty on February 11, 2025, after Daniel Chayer, a driver for a transport company, admitted to breaching the Fisheries Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
The fine will go towards the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund, which finances initiatives focused on restoring and safeguarding the country’s environment. The incident occurred on January 4, 2021, when Chayer mistakenly pumped over 20,000 liters of gasoline into a 5,000-liter trap at an Enterprise Rent-A-Car facility in Dorval. This error caused a significant overflow, with around 15,000 liters of gasoline entering the storm-drainage system and eventually seeping into Bouchard Creek, a stream that supports fish and flows into Lake Saint-Louis.
The investigation conducted by Environment and Climate Change Canada determined that Chayer’s negligence during the fuel transfer process was the root cause of the spill. Regulations mandate that petroleum products should only be delivered to tanks with clearly visible identification numbers, a crucial precaution overlooked in this instance. The contamination posed a severe threat to the aquatic life and ecosystems of Lake Saint-Louis, which is home to various fish species.
ECCC stressed its dedication to upholding environmental laws and preventing pollution, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Canada’s air, water, and natural surroundings. The Environmental Damages Fund, established in 1995, ensures that fines for environmental breaches are channeled into projects aimed at mitigating damage and supporting ecological recovery efforts. Individuals interested in staying updated on government initiatives to protect the environment can sign up for free updates from ECCC.