Alberta crop-dusting company fined for environmental breach by Edmonton Journal, November 14, 2016
A Westlock-based company has been fined $12,500 after admitting it sprayed pesticide from a plane without valid registration.
Western Air Spray acknowledged it illegally crop-dusted farmland in northwestern Alberta near Falher in June 2013, says a news release from Alberta Environment and Parks.
In June 2016, the company pleaded guilty to violating the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
In a news release, the ministry said aerial spraying has the potential to cause environmental damage. Companies hired to apply pesticide must be registered so government can ensure they are appropriately trained and equipped. [But oil and gas companies can do as they please, breaking the law and contaminating families, land, air and drinking water to keep foreign investors making more and more profits?]
A ministry spokesman did not know what pesticide was sprayed or how large of an area was affected.
Western Air Spray’s website said it has aircraft and ground equipment for spraying insecticides and fertilizer. No one from the company could be reached for comment late Monday afternoon. [Emphasis added]