In Alberta, waste must be stored and disposed of in a safe and effective manner that protects human health and the environment. On March 1, 2022, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas received a report that the company had been receiving biomedical waste for over a year and a half and was not storing or disposing of the materials properly.
An investigation determined that 1158728 Alberta Ltd. stored hazardous waste and hazardous recyclables in an inadequate manner and did not have an approval from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to do so.
After relocating in 2020, the company discovered that their new facility did not have enough power necessary to operate the autoclave used to dispose of biomedical waste. Despite this, the company continued to receive and store biomedical waste, accumulating 16 sea cans of waste. As of July 16, 2024, the last of the waste was appropriately disposed of.
The company pleaded guilty to one count for operating a waste storage site contrary to Sections 88 and 227(j) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. All remaining charges against them and GFM Precious Metals Ltd. were withdrawn.
The company was sentenced to a $13,000 penalty inclusive of the victim surcharge.
Quick facts
- The Alberta government is responsible for regulating the transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes and for waste-management facilities.
- Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act establishes a broad framework to manage waste through the Waste Control Regulation.
- Hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable facilities can be designed to store, process, treat, recycle or dispose of these substances and must follow strict environmental protection standards.
- Alberta Environment and Protected Areas conducts routine inspections and responds to complaints about improper waste management.
- If you have information about a spill, release or emergency that could damage the environment, call 1-800-222-6514, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.