FORESTRY COMPANY FINED FOR ILLEGALLY REMOVING AGGREGATES

[Some Old Guy 968]

WAWA - A Sault Ste. Marie-area company has been fined $1,250 for illegally operating an aggregate pit.

Clergue Forest Management Inc., pleaded guilty to operating a pit without a permit, contrary to the Aggregate Resources Act.

Court was told that between July 9, 2006 and July 19, 2006, the company removed sand and gravel from Crown land in Wawa Township.

A Ministry of Natural Resources technician discovered the violation while doing a routine inspection. It turned out that the company had asked the local ministry office for authorization to operate the pit but didn't wait for approval before starting operations.

Justice of the Peace Jean Marie Blier heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Wawa, on January 23, 2007.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).