This release was issued under a previous government.

Sonic Oilfield Service Ltd. pleaded guilty to one count of improper waste disposal under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.

The company has been penalized $250,000 for the offence, and a proposal for part of the penalty to be diverted to a creative sentencing project has been submitted. A decision regarding a proposed project will be finalized in court on March 20, 2015.

The company also pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the fire department was notified immediately after a spill or leak of more than 50 litres of flammable or combustible liquid under the Safety Codes Act and will be fined an additional $12,000.

On June 9, 2011, volatile vapours associated with wash water from a truck at Sonic Oilfield were ignited by a contract welder at the company’s shop facility in Medicine Hat.