Refinery, Shell Canada fined $500,000 for Permitting a Discharge of Odour into the Environment

Press Release

November 27, 2015

Sarnia – Shell Canada Limited (“Shell”) pleaded guilty to one offence and was fined $500,000 for permitting a discharge of a contaminant, namely an odour containing mercaptan, into the natural environment that caused an adverse effect, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act (EPA). The court also issued a probation order to Shell requiring it to pay $200,000 to the Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

The Shell Sarnia Manufacturing Centre refinery is located in Corunna, Ontario, which is directly south of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation (AFN).
On January 11, 2013, Shell personnel discovered a flare knock-out line leak of liquid containing mercaptan at the intersection of Third St. and F St. The leak caused a foul odour and flowed into the on-site ditch, which empties into the refinery’s storm sewer system that brings storm water and surface runoff to the refinery’s waste water treatment plant for processing.

Following the incident Shell recommended to the City of Sarnia that a shelter-in-place advisory be issued for the refinery area, including the AFN community.

The mercaptan’s foul odour affected numerous people in the AFN community, several of whom complained of sore eyes and throats, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

The matter was referred to the ministry’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch, which resulted in one charge being laid.

On November 24, 2015, Shell was convicted of one offence, was fined $500,000, plus a victim fine surcharge of $125,000, and was given 60 days to pay the fine. Shell was also issued a probation order requiring it to pay $200,000 to AFN.

Media Contacts

Members of the media:
Kate Jordan
Communications Branch
416-314-6666

Contact information for the general public
1-800-565-4923

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