A Richmond plant-based food manufacturer has been fined $285,000 after vegetable oil was leaked into the Fraser River.
Garden Protein International Inc. (Gardein), which creates vegetarian friendly, meat-like products such as meatless soy ground and bean burgers, pleaded guilty to violating the Fisheries Act in B.C.’s provincial court on Feb. 19.
Charges were made after Environment and Climate Change Canada investigated reports that vegetable oil had been released into a ditch on the company’s property, which leads into the Fraser River.
The Fraser River has been identified by provincial government as part of a classified water system that has a high fisheries value, and it requires special fishing licenses.
In addition to the fine, Gardein was ordered to install infrastructure at its Richmond plant to prevent future spills. The company’s name will also be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry. Money collected from the fine will be directed to the federal Environmental Damages Fund which, according to Environment Canada, is used for projects with positive environmental impacts.
