CN rail trains are pictured at the CN MacMillan Yard in Vaughan, Ontario, on June 20, 2022. (The Canadian Press)
Canadian National Railway Co. has been hit with a hefty $8 million fine due to environmental violations stemming from two significant train derailments in 2015. The Montreal-based company was ordered to pay this amount by the Ontario Court of Justice on Monday, following its guilty plea to charges under the federal Fisheries Act.
The derailments in question took place on February 14, 2015, near Gladwick, Ontario, and March 7, 2015, near Gogama, Ontario. These incidents resulted in the spill of over 3.6 million litres of crude oil into the environment. The spills affected several local water bodies, including wetlands, Upper Kasasway Lake, the Makami River, and Minisinakwa Lake.
The train derailments happened when sections of railway track failed under the weight of the trains. Federal officials determined that CN had not adequately maintained the tracks, which contributed to the accidents. This lack of due diligence was a significant factor in the charges against the company.
As a result of this conviction, CN’s name will be listed in the federal Environmental Offenders Registry, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. This registry highlights companies and individuals found guilty of environmental violations.
In response to the fines, CN Railway stated that it takes full responsibility for the spills. The company has already implemented several measures to address the situation. In the immediate aftermath, CN worked to contain and clean up the oil spills and conducted ongoing monitoring of groundwater, local drinking water, wildlife, and air quality.
Additionally, CN engaged local and Indigenous community members to assist with the restoration of affected creeks, wetlands, and fish habitats. The company has also invested significantly in improving track infrastructure in the areas where the derailments occurred to prevent future incidents.
