Environmental compliance reports

January 16, 2025: City of Prince Rupert

The City of Prince Rupert received an $18,460 administrative penalty for failing to inspect and maintain their wastewater system. This resulted in multiple effluent pipe leaks and discharges of raw sewage to waterbodies.

Administrative penalty

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January 13, 2025: GFL Environmental Inc.

GFL Environmental Inc. received a $22,200 administrative penalty for allowing compost leachate to be discharged to the environment. The leachate had the potential to negatively affect aquatic species.

Administrative penalty

December 19, 2024: Conuma Resources Limited

Conuma Resources Limited received 3 administrative penalties totaling $7,000 for non-compliances related to:

• Discharging sediment pond effluent to a creek
• Failing to remove sediment buildup in the sedimentation ponds
• Not immediately notifying the Ministry of non-compliances

Administrative penalty 1, 2, 3

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December 17, 2024: Walter Yee Lee and Mei Yan Lee

Walter Yee Lee and Mei Yan Lee received two administrative penalties totaling $29,240 for not complying with a Remediation Order to remediate a parcel of land they own that was previously a dry cleaning operation.

Administrative penalty 1, 2

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December 17, 2024: Conuma Resources Limited

Conuma Resources Limited received a $7,830 administrative penalty for storing more hazardous wastes than is allowed under the Environmental Management Act.

Administrative penalty

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December 12, 2024: Deep Water Recovery Ltd.

Deep Water Recovery Ltd., who operate a ship breaking company, received a $26,700 administrative penalty for allowing waste to enter the environment without an authorization.

Administrative penalty

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December 12, 2024: Deep Water Recovery Ltd.

Deep Water Recovery Ltd., who operate a ship breaking company, received a $19,450 administrative penalty for failing to comply with the requirements in the Pollution Abatement Order issued to them on March 15, 2024.  The requirements included immediately ceasing discharge of effluent with concentrations of Copper, Lead and Zinc above BC Water Quality Guideline (BC WQG) levels to the environment.

Administrative penalty

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December 2, 2024:Pacific Coast Renewables Corp.

Pacific Coast Renewables Corp. (formerly Net Zero Waste Abbotsford Inc.) received four administrative penalties totaling $119,695 for non-compliances with their authorization. This included failing to:

• Stay under authorized parameter limits for their effluent
• Stop the discharge once they knew the limits where being exceeded
• Have the pollution control equipment fully operational when discharging
• Sample the effluent
• Immediately notify the Ministry of non-compliance(s)
• Submit non-compliance reports within 30 days of a non-compliance

 This is the third administrative penalty package for this site.

 Administrative penalty 1, 2, 3, 4

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November 28, 2024: Telegraph Cove Resorts Ltd.

 Telegraph Cove Resorts Ltd. received two administrative penalties totaling $17,940 for non-compliances related to their wastewater discharge authorization. The non-compliances included failing to:

• Conduct quarterly monitoring for chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, fecal coliform and enterococci
• Record flow once per week for a 24-hour period
• Submit an annual report for 2022 and 2023

 Administrative penalty 1, 2

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November 13, 2024: G.T. Farms Ltd.

G.T. Farms Ltd. carries out agricultural activities, including dairy farming, near Cobble Hill. They have been issued 5 administrative penalties totaling $70,100 for contraventions with the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management between November of 2022 and February of 2024. These administrative penalties are for non-compliances related to:

• leachate discharges
• failing to cover compost piles
• failing to provide records to an officer

This is the second administrative penalty for the Thain site operations.
Administrative Penalty 1,2,3,4,5

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November 13, 2024: G.T. Farms Ltd.

G.T. Farms Ltd. Hillbank site operations, near Cobble Hill, has been issued 3 administrative penalties totalling $17,100 for:

• allowing composting leachate to enter the environment
• adding non-agricultural waste materials (poultry slaughter waste) to the agricultural compost process
• failing to prevent the attraction of wildlife and vectors to their operations

This is the second administrative penalty for the Hillbank site operations.

Administrative Penalty 1,2,3

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November 12, 2024: Fraser Valley Renewables Ltd.

Fraser Valley Renewables Ltd. (FVR) has been issued an $8,000 administrative penalty for:

• Allowing the discharge of waste into the environment without an authorization in the Lindell Beach area
• Applying unfinished compost at the site, causing leachate discharges

During the penalty period, FVR was issued a Pollution Prevention Order from the Ministry of Environment and a Stop Work Order from the Agricultural Land Commission. All waste material has since been removed from the site. 

Two warnings for the same non-compliances were issued in 2022.

Administrative Penalty

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November 12, 2024: EJ Blackwell Holdings Ltd.

E.J. Blackwell Holdings Ltd. operates a private landfill near Kamloops. After a November 2023 inspection, they have been issued a $15,000 administrative penalty for discharging types of waste not authorized under their permit.

E.J. Blackwell Holdings Ltd. was fined $10,000 after prosecution in 2012 and warned twice about accepting waste types that are not authorized.

Administrative Penalty

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November 12, 2024: Jaydan Ventures Ind.

Jaydan Ventures Inc. has been issued 2 administrative penalties totaling $58,900 for contraventions of the Municipal Wastewater Regulation at the Blind Bay Resort including:

• Failing to conduct any receiving environment monitoring in 2022 or 2023
• Exceeding sewage discharge limits on 56 occasions

Jayden was previously warned about both contraventions.

Administrative Penalty 1, 2

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October 23, 2024: Peter Morris

Peter Morris received a $6,000 administrative penalty for non-compliances under the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation including:

• Burning within 100m of residences
• Failing to notify neighbors living within 500m before the burn
• Failing to complete burning by 4pm the day the burn started

Administrative penalty

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October 8, 2024: Greenhills Holdings Corp.

 Greenhills Holdings Corp. received a $80,000 administrative penalty for:

• Depositing settling pond effluent next to Alice Creek
• Allowing a pit berm to be breached which resulted in heavily sedimented effluent entering Alice Creek and three other watercourses downstream

 Administrative penalty

September 11, 2024: Allied Salvage & Metals (1985) Ltd.

Allied Salvage & Metals (1985) Ltd. received two administrative penalties (AP) for allowing effluent generated at their metal recycling facilities to enter the environment. The effluent was discharged to the City of Richmond’s storm sewer system which drains to the Fraser River.

• $17,730 AP for their Mitchell Rd. facility
• $18,020 AP for their Twigg Rd. facility

Administrative penalty 1, 2

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September 9, 2024: Mercer Celgar Pulp Ltd.

Mercer Celgar Pulp Ltd. received two administrative penalties totalling $24,000 for failing to:

• Stay below discharge limits for particulate and total reduced sulphur from their recovery boiler
• Keep the total reduced sulphur in the surrounding area below authorized limits
• Conduct sampling for their source monitoring program

Administrative penalty 1, 2

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August 26, 2024: Ground X Site Services Ltd.

Ground X Site Services Ltd. received a $150,000 administrative penalty for the unauthorized discharge of effluent on two occasions:

• November 29, 2021, to a ditch which drains to the Pitt River
• December 7, 2023, to a ditch which drains to the Pitt River and directly to the Pitt River

Samples of the effluent found it exceeded BC Water Quality Guidelines for multiple parameters including arsenic, chromium, lead, coliforms and hydrocarbons.

Administrative penalty

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August 26, 2024: Parastone Developments Ltd.

Parastone Developments Ltd. received a $5,500 administrative penalty for non-compliances with the Open Burn Regulation including:

• Beginning burning when the venting forecast was fair turning to poor
• Burning within 500m of residences
• Burning within 1,000m of a community care facility

Administrative penalty

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August 19,2024: Purity Feed Co. 2003 Ltd.

Purity Feed received a $2,700 administrative penalty for non-compliances with the Integrated Pest Management Regulation including failing to:

• Record information required under the regulation
• Ensure individuals selling pesticides held a dispenser certificate

They previously received an advisory and warnings for the same non-compliances.

Administrative penalty 

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August 19, 2024: Launch Construction Ltd.

Launch Construction Ltd. received a $3,000 administrative penalty for non-compliances with the Open Burn Regulation including burning:

• Prohibited material (metal, insulation, painted wood etc.)
• Vegetative material brought from another location

Administrative penalty

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August 15, 2024: Nicola Mining Inc.

Nicola Mining Inc. (NMI) received 4 administrative penalties totaling $186,940 for non-compliances at their Treasure Mountain Mine. The non-compliances included failing to:

• Meet heavy metal concentration limits
• Submit an adequate Drainage Management Plan
• Do water quality monitoring and sampling
• Submit all required date to the electronic monitoring system (EMS)

NMI has received 3 administrative penalties for the same non-compliances.

Administrative penalty 1, 2, 3, 4

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August 8, 2024: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) received a $10,000 administrative penalty for non-compliances related to the operation of their Meziadin Landfill. The non-compliances included failing to:

• Ensure that the landfill did not cause a nuisance with regards to wildlife attraction
• Prevent bears access to attractants
• Maintain its electric fence to prevent bears from entering landfill

The RDKS received warnings in 2020 and 2021 for the same non-compliances.

Administrative penalty

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August 8, 2024: Teck Coal Limited

Teck Coal Limited (Teck) received two administrative penalties totaling $220,750 for non-compliances at their Elkview Operations site. The non-compliances included discharging process slurry from it’s coal processing plant to the ground 27 times and to surface water twice.

Teck was previously issued a $198,000 AMP in May 2022 for the same non-compliances.

Administrative penalty 1, 2

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August 3, 2024: Pacific Abrasives & Supply Inc.

Pacific Abrasives & Supply Inc. operates an abrasives processing facility in Grand Forks. They received a $130,000 administrative penalty for failing to suppress fugitive dust between July of 2020 and December of 2022 from their operation which is close to residential areas. This is the third administrative penalty issued to the company for dust related non-compliances.

Administrative penalty

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August 1, 2024: John Vosper

Complaints of a structure fire on Cortes Island in February of 2022 lead to John Vosper being issued a $3,500 administrative penalty for burning prohibited material (construction and demolition debris). Vosper admitted that burning construction debris was less expensive than landfilling.

Administrative penalty

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July 25, 2024: Fertoz International Organic Inc.

Fertoz International Organic Inc. operates two phosphate rock mines east of Fernie and was issued three administrative penalties totalling $24,700:

• Failure to maintain their Authorized Works in good working order and did not notify the director of changes in process ($12,400)
• Failure to notify the director of any non-compliance with their Authorization ($1,400)
• Failure to provide an annual report and several quarterly reports ($10,900)

Fertoz International Organic Inc. had previously received a warning in 2019.

Administrative penalty 1, 2, 3

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July 25, 2024: Hemlock Utility Services Ltd.

Hemlock Utility Services Ltd. provides sanitary services to Sasquatch Mountain Resort near Chilliwack. They were issued five administrative penalties totalling $86,500 for;

• Exceeding discharge limits and failing to maintain the authorized treatment works ($11,420)
• Bypasses of authorized works and overflows of the lagoon that lead to a discharge of sewage to a creek ($20,720)
• Failing to have a properly certified treatment plant operator ($40,000)
• Failing to take flow measurements and grab samples ($12,860)
• Reporting failures ($1,050)

These non-compliances happened between July 2022 and May of 2023. A warning was previously issued in June of 2022.

Administrative penalty 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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July 25, 2024: Huldra Properties Inc.

Huldra Properties Inc operates the Craigmont Mine near Merritt. They have been issued a $16,100 administrative penalty for not submitting an updated groundwater monitoring program before restarting discharges to their tailings facility in March of 2023. Another $1,800 was fined for failing to report non-compliances to the ministry between March and October of 2023. This is the second administrative penalty issued for the same failures to comply.

Administrative penalty 1, 2

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July 24, 2024: Christian Weller

In December 2023, after multiple complaints were received about visible flames, breathing issues and headaches from a toxic smell near Burns Lake, Christian Weller was found burning insulation, plastics, furniture and other prohibited materials on their property. An $11,875 administrative penalty was issued for burning prohibited material aggravated by human health impacts.

Administrative penalty

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July 23, 2024: Copper Mountain Mine (BC) Ltd.

The Cooper Mountain Mine near Princeton received two administrative penalties. The first was $11,500 for 16 non-compliances of total copper concentrations in Wolfe Creek and a second was issued for $1,600 for the failure to immediately notify the ministry of non-compliances with their permit between April 2021 and June 2022. Administrative penalties have been previously issued for failure to comply.

Administrative penalty 1, 2

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July 23, 2024: Kiranpal Sandhu

After receiving complaints of a structure fire at an orchard near Erickson in May of 2023, Kiranpal Sandhu was found to be the responsible person who directed workers to burn an old structure that contained prohibited materials including shingles, wire, appliances and metal. A $3,500 administrative penalty was issued to Kiranpal Sandhu, who had been previously provided with information on what prohibited materials are by the Creston Fire Department.

Administrative penalty

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July 10, 2024: Channel Ridge Environmental Systems Ltd.

Channel Ridge Environmental Systems Ltd. operates a private sewage treatment system on Salt Spring Island. They were issued 3 administrative penalties totalling $32,793 for non-compliances with authorized works, receiving environment monitoring and reporting. Warnings for the same non-compliances were issued in 2019 and 2021.

Administrative penalty 1, 2, 3

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July 10, 2024: Gavin Mines Inc.

Gavin Mines Inc, who owns the Dome Mountain Mine near Smithers, was fined $9,000 for failing to fully analyze 32 monthly samples for all parameters between June 1, 2021 and January 1, 2023. This is the second administrative penalty for this non-compliance.

Administrative penalty

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July 10, 2024: Global Pet Food Stores Inc.

Global Pet Food Stores Inc. was issued a $200 administrative penalty for failing to provide an officer information requested to conduct an inspection in February of 2024. A warning for failing to provide information was issued in December of 2023.

Administrative penalty

June 25, 2024: Teck Coal Limited

Teck Coal Limited received a $13,500 administrative penalty for thirteen unauthorized discharges of hydrocarbons between January 5^th and July 4^th, 2021, at their Fording River Operations location.

Administrative penalty

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June 24, 2024: Cowichan Valley Regional District

The Cowichan Valley Regional District received two administrative penalties totalling $3,338 for non-compliances at their wastewater treatment plant, including failing to:

• monitor effluent quality
• notify the Ministry of exceedances of effluent quality requirements

They received a warning for the same non-compliances in 2021.

Administrative penalty

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June 24, 2024: Canadian Timberframes Ltd.

Canadian Timberframes Ltd. received a $20,283 administrative penalty for discharging air contaminants from an unauthorized baghouse and cyclone from March 2022 to April 2024.

They received an administrative penalty in 2022 for the same non-compliances.

Administrative penalty

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June 19, 2024: Waves Coffee Inc.

Waves Coffee Inc. received a $30,891 administrative penalty for non-compliances under the Recycling Regulation including failing to:

• have an approved Extended Producer Recycling Plan
• follow the approved plan

Waves Coffee received a warning for the same non-compliances in 2023.

Administrative penalty

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June 10, 2024: Conrad Schiebel

Conrad Schiebel received a $1,500 administrative penalty for burning prohibited material included demolition waste, electrical wiring, fibreglass, plastics, polystyrene foam, and rubber at his Turtle Valley Bison Ranch.

 Administrative penalty

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June 10, 2024: United Concrete and Gravel Ltd.

United Concrete and Gravel Ltd. received an $18,281 administrative penalty for discharging air emissions from four unauthorized sources at its concrete and glass abrasives manufacturing facility. They received warnings in 2019 and 2020 for the same non-compliances.

Administrative penalty

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June 6, 2024: Conuma Resources Limited

Conuma Resource Limited, which operates a coal mine near Chetwynd, received a $4,750 administrative penalty for:

• Failing to construct and operate the mine in a way that prevents particulate matter exceedances
• Exceeding total particulate matter concentrations

These non-compliances occurred between December 2020 and December 2022.

Administrative penalty

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June 3, 2024: Conuma Resources Limited

Conuma Resource Limited, which operates a coal mine near Chetwynd, received two administrative penalties totaling $41,100. This was for failing to:

• Follow the approved water quality monitoring program
• Submit monthly reports
• Upload effluent quality results to the ministry’s electronic database (EMS)

These non-compliances occurred between October 2020 and March 2023.

Administrative penalty 1, 2

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May 27, 2024: City of Chilliwack

The City of Chilliwack, which owns and operates the Bailey Sanitary Landfill, received an $11,000 administrative penalty for non-compliance with their authorization including:

• Failing to keep the property enclosed with an electric fence to prevent bear issues
• Not keeping the active garbage deposit area within the approved footprint

They received an advisory for the same issues in 2022.

 Administrative penalty

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May 9, 2024:  Harbourside Lodge Bamfield Ltd.

Harbourside Lodge Bamfield Ltd. received 3 administrative penalties totaling $17,722 for failing to:

• Put a sign above the high-water mark to notify the public about the location of the outfall pipe
• Classify the wastewater treatment plant and maintain the classification with the BC Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Program Society
• Sample for Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Total Suspended Solids on 9 occasions
• Submit an annual report on 3 occasions

They received a warning in 2018 for the same non-compliances.

Administrative penalty 1, 2, 3  

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April 30 , 2024: Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd.

Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. (BGM) received a $9,870 administrative penalty for failing to:

• Conduct all required sampling
• Ensure laboratory quality assurance
• Measure flow

BGM was warned in 2019 and 2021 for the same non-compliances.

Administrative penalty

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April 15, 2024: Sandher Fruit Packers Ltd.

Sandher Fruit Packers Ltd. received a $78,368 administrative penalty for unauthorized discharge of effluent from their fruit packing operation. Sandher received a violation ticket in 2018 and a $32,000 administrative penalty in 2022 for the same non-compliance.

Administrative penalty

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April 8, 2024: Howe Sound Pulp & Paper Corporation

Howe Sound Pulp & Paper Corporation received two administrative penalties totaling $22,000 for:

• Exceeding sulphur dioxide discharge limits from their power boiler
• Failing to inspect and maintain plant equipment

Howe Sound received two advisories and a warning for exceeding sulphur dioxide limits between 2018 and 2020.

Administrative penalty 1, 2

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April 2, 2024: Conuma Resources Limited

Conuma Resources Limited, a steelmaking coal producer, has been issued two administrative penalties totaling $11,385 for failing to:

• Report non-compliances immediately and take steps to fix the problem
• Conduct water quality monitoring

Conuma received two advisories and three warnings for the same non-compliances between 2017 and 2021.

Administrative penalty 1, 2

2023 compliance year in review infographic (PDF, 8.8MB)

Environmental Management and Pest Management Acts

Inspections

• 805 inspections done by 30 inspectors

Compliance responses

• 211 notices of compliance, 268 advisories, 280 warnings, 45 administrative penalties, 1 investigation referral

Complaints by discharge type

• Effluent 288, refuse 209, odour 74, air emissions 117, pesticides 96
• 784 complaints with 94% responded to within 7 days

Administrative penalties levied totaled $17,211,591

Administrative penalties levied per sector:

Integrated Environmental Enforcement Unit

An equal partnership between the environmental protection division and the conservation officer service that investigates significant complex environmental offences and pursues both prosecution and administrative enforcement responses.

4 officers responsible for:

• 8 active investigations
• 1 completed administrative penalty
• 2 completed investigations

2022 compliance year in review infographic (PDF, 5.4MB)

Environmental Management and Pest Management Acts

Inspections

• 912 inspections done by 25 inspectors

Compliance responses

• 270 notices of compliance, 370 advisories, 221 warnings, 50 administrative penalties, 1 investigation referral

Complaints by discharge type

• Effluent 357, refuse 350, odour 159, air emissions 146, pesticides 117
• 1,129 complaints with 97% responded to within 7 days

Administrative penalties levied totaled $2,239,101

Administrative penalties levied per sector by percent:

Integrated Environmental Enforcement Unit

New in 2022, this unit is an equal partnership between the environmental protection division and the conservation officer service that investigates significant complex environmental offences and pursues both prosecution and administrative enforcement responses.

3 officers responsible for:

• 4 active investigations
• 1 completed administrative penalty
• 2 completed investigations

2021 compliance year in review infographic (PDF, 247KB)

Environmental Management Act

Inspections

• 932 inspections done by 18 inspectors

Complaints by discharge type

• Effluent 287, refuse 175, odour 242, air emissions 165

Complaints by region

• South Coast 356, Thompson-Okanagan 220, West Coast 168, Kootenay-Boundary 41, Omineca-Peace 41, Cariboo 16, Skeena 15, Northeast 12
• 869 complaints with 90% responded to within 7 days

Integrated Pest Management Act

Inspections

• 245 inspections done by 4 inspectors

Complaints by region

• South Coast 61, West Coast 36, Thompson-Okanagan 29, Kootenay-Boundary 5, Unknown 3, Skeena 2, Northeast 1, Omineca-Peace 1
• 139 complaints with 95% responded to within 7 days