DRINKING WATER ENFORCEMENT CHARGES LEAD TO CONVICTION

The first charges laid dealing with drinking water enforcement in Saskatchewan have resulted in a conviction.

A former waterworks operator for the Northern Village of Denare Beach appeared in Provincial Court in Creighton yesterday and was fined after pleading guilty to one charge of providing false information in waterworks operational records and logs contrary to the province's Environmental Management Protection Act.

The charge relates to an incident that occurred in Denare Beach in December 2003. It was laid after complaints were received from the Northern Village, a preliminary investigation by the Village and further investigation by Saskatchewan Environment enforcement staff.

The department does not believe the quality of drinking water in the Village was affected by the action, however this kind of situation can result in significant risk to public health and cannot be permitted.

This is the first time in Saskatchewan where charges related to a waterworks operation have been formally laid and pursued through the courts.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Dave Harvey Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-2993