Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (May 06/01) - Transport Canada has charged a Quebec shipping company with dumping waste in Frobisher Bay and failing to report it.

Last September, a First Air pilot noticed the slick. The Canadian Coast Guard's investigation compared residues from the slick with samples from the vessel, which is owned by Transport Desgagnes Inc.

As a result, Transport Canada laid two charges against the company under the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act.

Clark Norris, manager of Marine Safety at Transport Canada in Edmonton, would not say if the ship dumped the substance intentionally because it could prejudice a trial.

What the substance actually was is still a mystery.

"I can only say that it was waste," said Norris.

Fines for dumping can cost an individual $5,000 and a ship's owner $10,000. Failure to report the incident could cost the company an additional $25,000.

A court date is scheduled for May 10 in Quebec City.