A sawmill in McBride has come to terms with the Ministry of Environment over an illegal fire set in April, 2010.
TRC Cedar entered into an alternative justice process with the ministry after they were found to be shirking the burning regulations in the town of McBride. This court-approved process kept the case from tying up a courtroom and judicial staff, but resulted in a fine of $7,500 payable to the McBride Volunteer Fire Department.
"To a point, the case did go to court, but after it reached a certain point this alternative process was suggested and it was a win for everyone," said Conservation Officer Rob Groeger. "He [TRC Cedar proprietor Tom Ryan] paid a hefty fine, it was applied to an appropriate community cause, the people affected are happy, and we are satisfied with the outcome."
The incident happened on April 11, 2010. TRC Cedar asked for and received permission to burn a pile of clean woody debris in a certain spot, that day. However the fire was fed with inappropriate materials causing a major smoke event.
"The next door neighbour phoned us directly, and a few others were concerned as well," said Groeger. "The smoke went up over basically the entire village of McBride and forced the next door resident from the home for a couple of days."
That neighbour had input into where the fine was applied. The town's volunteer fire department was the chosen recipient.
The agreement was arrived at on July 6.
