GFL Environmental Inc., a leading environmental services company, faces a $22,200 penalty following a series of environmental violations at its Brackendale facility in British Columbia. The company has 30 days to either appeal the decision or settle the fine. The violations, which persisted for over 13 months, involved leachate leaking into the environment, raising concerns about heavy metal contamination.
The infractions came to light after tests revealed heavy metal levels exceeding Canadian drinking water standards. However, GFL disputed these findings, arguing the ministry's reliance on these tests was misplaced. Notably, there were no domestic wells within 500 meters of the leaked waste, mitigating immediate public health risks.
GFL's internal testing in July 2024 showed drinking water quality met national standards, although some metal exceedances remain at the site. GFL asserted it has taken "considerable measures to improve the quality of stormwater at the site."
“These results do not support a finding of any ‘actual significant impact or very serious threat to the environment,’” – GFL
The Environmental Management Act director, Kelly Mills, highlighted samples from an unlined settlement pond in 2023 that showed copper levels surpassing regulations for drinking water contamination.
“Acute exposure to copper can cause mortality in fish, amphibians and invertebrates while chronic exposure can affect growth, reproduction and survival,” – Kelly Mills
A key element of the ruling was GFL's inability to demonstrate the absence of aquifers beneath the site. The environmental contravention underscores the challenges faced by GFL, an industry giant with more than 20,000 employees across North America. The company offers solid and liquid waste management and soil remediation services throughout Canada and in over half of the United States.
Despite its size and influence as the fourth-largest environmental services company in North America, GFL has faced scrutiny for its environmental practices. The leaks at Brackendale drew attention to ongoing issues with stormwater management and site contamination.
GFL's financial dealings reveal a contrasting narrative of success. The company recently sold its environmental services business for $8 billion while retaining a 44 percent equity interest. This transaction aligns with GFL's strategic plans to streamline operations and focus on core competencies.
Furthermore, GFL's CEO, Patrick Dovigi, was the highest-paid CEO in Canada in 2023, with a compensation package of $68.5 million. This reflects both his leadership acumen and the company's financial standing despite environmental challenges.
