RM AND CONTRACTOR FINED $21,000 FOR UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION OF A WATER COURSE IN MELFORT AREA

A Melfort area contractor and a Rural Municipality have been fined a total of $21,000 in Melfort provincial court for the unauthorized alteration of a water course.

The Rural Municipality of Flett's Spring #429 and Elmer Skiftun of Melfort were each convicted of one count under The Environmental Management and Protection Act for altering the configuration of a water course without a permit. In addition to the fine, the Rural Municipality agreed to contribute $4,600 to Ducks Unlimited to compensate them for the loss of waterfowl nesting habitat in the affected area. The RM is also responsible to clean-up the altered site and to restore the habitat to its natural state.

The charges were laid as the result of an investigation by the Ministry of Environment in May of 2010. It was determined that the Rural Municipality of Flett's Spring had contracted Skiftun to dredge out a drainage channel from Hudson Lake to an existing channel within Wildlife Development Fund Crown lands without a valid permit authorizing the activity. The unauthorized work caused damage to the Wildlife lands, private land downstream and to nesting habitat on a Ducks Unlimited project. A conviction for modifying a water course or shoreline without the proper permits carries a maximum fine of $1 million.

"Anyone who conducts work in and around water should contact a Ministry of Environment office in advance of any work being done so as to get clarification on permitting requirements," Ministry of Environment Compliance and Field Services Executive Director Kevin Callele said. "Ministry staff can help ensure plans meet environmental regulations and issue the provincial permits required to carry out the work."

Anyone who is aware of or who suspects environmental, fisheries or wildlife violations is encouraged to report them 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 cash rewards through the SASKTIP reward Program.

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For more information, contact:

Gary Provencher
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-3519
Email: gary.provencher@gov.sk.ca