Warwick Company Fined $50,000 for Discharging Manure into Woods Creek
Sarnia – A Warwick company was fined $50,000 for discharging a mixture of cow manure and leachate into Woods Creek that could have impaired the creek’s water quality, contrary to the Ontario Water Resources Act.
“Polluters should be aware that the ministry’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch will vigorously pursue charges when our environmental laws are broken”, Environment Minister Jim Bradley.
Eusi Farms Ltd. operates a beef feed lot located on Rawlings Road in the Municipality of Lambton Shores where approximately 3,000 cattle are housed. Manure is stored on site until applied as a nutrient to 14 other Eusi farms.
On November 19, 2011, a resident of Lambton Shores reported to the ministry that Woods Creek was black and smelled like manure. The caller also reported seeing dead fish, crayfish and several frogs in the creek. The Municipality of Lambton Shores staff attended the site and reported a strong odour, discoloured water and dead fish.
An inspection conducted by ministry staff revealed the source of the contamination in the creek was a leaking manure pit located at the Eusi Farms about seven kilometres upstream of Lake Huron.
Ministry staff remained at the site until the leak was fixed and clean-up work completed. .
Eusi Farms Ltd. was fined $50,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $12,500 and was given 60 days to pay the fine.
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