Subcontractor Fined $600,000 for Stormwater-Related Violations

The MOE issued an approval, authorizing the construction of a solar farm. A subcontractor assumed the primary responsibility for implementing and monitoring the measures stipulated in the farm’s stormwater management, erosion and sediment control plan. In response to a complaint, MOE staff observed that the erosion and sediment control measures were inadequate. The subcontractor was advised that stormwater and erosion controls must be enhanced, a sediment control inspection program must be established and implemented, and that any spills or discharges must be reported to the MOE. But a subsequent inspection revealed that inadequate or improperly maintained erosion and sediment control measures had permitted the discharge of sediment-laden water into nearby streams, which wasn’t reported. As a result, the subcontractor pleaded guilty and was fined $600,000 for causing or permitting the discharge of sediment-laden stormwater and impairing the quality of the water, failing to notify the MOE of the discharge, and failing to employ best management practices for stormwater management, sediment and erosion control [2280577 Ontario Inc. (formerly Naylor Renewable Energy Inc.), Govt. News Release, May 15, 2017].