Two Companies Penalized $150,000 for Release of Drilling Material into River

Environment Canada enforcement officers inspected a drill rig located near Iqaluktuuttiaq and in close proximity to a river that connects two lakes. The inspection revealed an ongoing release of drill cuttings, drill mud and brine, which could be deleterious to fish. But there was no evidence of any permanent harm done to any fish. Two companies entered into a diversion agreement with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, agreeing to each pay $75,000 to the Environmental Damages Fund, which will be directed towards projects in the Kitikmeot region [Hope Bay Mining Ltd. and Orbit Garant Drilling Inc., Govt. News Release, June 11, 2014].