The provincial government charged the company with failing to immediately report an incident in which wastewater samples were allegedly falsified at Cargill's High River beef processing plant.
Cargill responded to the charges in a statement: “While undergoing continuous improvement adjustments to the phosphorus water treatment of wastewater from Cargill’s High River facility, samples used to report the phosphorus results to Alberta Environment were compromised.
“Cargill initiated a thorough internal investigation and self-reported their findings to Alberta provincial officials.
“Following the report, Cargill implemented the necessary corrective actions that would have the facility back into compliance with regulations. Throughout this process, Cargill cooperated fully with government officials.”
Pushp Pal Singh of Calgary is facing three counts related to the incident:
• contravening a term or condition requiring the approval holder to monitor Industrial Wastewater Control System, contrary to section 227(e) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act;
• knowingly contravening a term or condition requiring the approval holder to monitor Industrial Wastewater Control System, contrary to section 227(d) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act;
• knowingly providing false or misleading information pursuant to provide information contrary to section 227(a) of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
A court appearance is scheduled for May 27 in Okotoks Provincial Court.
