Celgar Convicted In Pollution Case

February 16, 2012

The Zellstoff-Celgar pulp mill in Castlegar has been found guilty of several charges related to a pollution spill over three years ago.

Judge Lisa Mrozinski delivered her verdict in Castlegar court Thursday morning.

After what was a highly technical case she convicted the mill for depositing effluent that was acutely lethal to trout into the Columbia River. She also found the company guilty on two other counts related to their permitted effluent levels.

In November 2008 a large amount of toxic liquid known as weak black liquor spilled from a spill-tank.Some of it made its way into the river.

The judge is expected to fix a date Monday in Nelson court for the hearing that will determine what penalties Celgar should incur.