Band Charged Over 2006 Diesel Fuel Spill

Band Charged Over 2006 Diesel Fuel Spill

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 16:11

 

 

A spokesman for the Hatchet Lake First Nation says the government has opened up a can of worms with its decision to charge the band over a diesel spill two years ago.

 

Ed Benoanie cofirms the band faces six charges for alleged infractions under the Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Environmental Management and Protection Act.

 

The charges stem from an incident in 2006 when thousands of litres of fuel spilled into Wollaston Lake.

 

The fuel was eventually cleaned up, and a 12 year-old resident of the community was charged with mischief.

 

Benoanie says the band still hasn’t received disclosure from the province on the grounds for the charges.

 

However, he says the First Nation plans to defend itself aggressively in court, and won’t take the accusations lying down.

 

Benonie also finds it interesting that charges haven’t been laid in the past against other parties responsible for fuel spills in that area.

 

Charges have also been laid against the former chief, Louie Josie, and the former band manager, Glenda J. Mercredi.

 

But Benoanie says they’re working to have those charges thrown out.

 

Band representatives are due to make their second appearance in court tomorrow.