The Federal Government and the landlords of Ridley Terminals Inc. (RTI) are investigating reports of coal dumping at RTI that appeared in The Northern View on May 29.
However, this isn't the first time RTI has been in the hot seat for reported coal dumping.
Mark Johnson, from Environment Canada's communications branch informed The Northern View that RTI was issued a warning letter in 2010 for violations to the disposal at sea provisions in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA 1999) in response to the "alleged dumping of 15 to 18 tonnes of coal" into the ocean from Ridley Terminals' ship-loading machinery. That letter followed a complaint to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans by a member of the public.
Johnson confirmed Environment Canada was made aware of the May 29 report in The Northern View and is looking into the matter.
"The department's enforcement branch is following up on this information and will take appropriate action if it is required," he said.
The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) said it expects all of its tenants to adhere to all environmental regulations and are seeking answers from the company.
"The Prince Rupert Port Authority became aware of the allegations against RTI as a result of the May 29 article in The Northern View and finds them disturbing... The Prince Rupert Port Authority is in contact with RTI and is seeking the facts with respects to the allegations," Michael Gurney, manager of corporate communications for the Prince Rupert Port Authority, said in a statement.
As for the reports of coal dumping in 2010, Gurney said the port authority was aware of the incident, but was unaware RTI had been issued a warning letter as a result.