MEADOW LAKE, Sask. – A Manitoba company has been fined for altering the shoreline of a Saskatchewan river without authorization.
An investigation by conservation officers in August 2013 found a portion of the shoreline of the Chitek River near Meadow Lake had been disturbed.
Investigators found a number of old creosote railway bridge ties had been stockpiled and there was evidence creosote was leaching into the river.
As the Chitek River flows into Meadow Lake River, a source of drinking water for the city of Meadow Lake, the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency advised the city to shut its water intake values until testing could be done to confirm the water was safe for consumption.
“Before starting any work in or near water it is very important to obtain the necessary permits from the Water Security Agency and make sure any plans meet environmental regulations,” said Sam Ferris, executive director of environmental and municipal management services.
“Unauthorized work around water has the potential to affect many people particularly if that work could potentially contaminate drinking water.”
Cando Contracting of Brandon, Man. was fined $12,500 in provincial court and complied with an environmental protection order to reclaim the site in accordance with a remediation plan.
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