Fined $4,000 For Altering Creek Bank
A Straffordville man has been fined $4,000 for filling shore lands without a permit.
Michael Hesch pleaded guilty to an offence under the Public Lands Act. Hesch assisted the landowner in returning the creek bank back to a natural state prior to the court date.
Court was told that on April 11, 2009, conservation officers were conducting a fisheries patrol along Little Otter Creek in Bayham. During the routine patrol, they observed a bulldozer partially submerged in the creek with diesel fuel leaking into the water from the fuel tank. The investigation revealed that Hesch was using the bulldozer to groom the top of the creek bank without a permit. The bulldozer ended up partially submerged in the creek.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans approved the plan of rehabilitation, issued the work permit for it and inspected the completed work to ensure compliance with the plan. The fuel leak was addressed the night of the incident by the Bayham County Fire Department.
Justice of the Peace Gordon Chaput heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, St. Thomas, on November 19, 2009.
In Ontario, a work permit is generally required when doing any work around or in Ontario waterways. Permits are issued by your local Ministry of Natural Resources district office or the local conservation authority.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry of natural resources office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Cliff Rich, Aylmer District, 519-773-4726
Russell Brandon, Aylmer District, 519-773-4770
