WOODSTOCK (GNB) – A 53-year-old Grand Falls man has pleaded guilty to performing work along the Tobique River without obtaining a permit.
Dana Marshall Gillespie, of 536 Route 375, appeared before Judge Brian McLean in Woodstock provincial court on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, and entered a guilty plea to two charges brought forward by the Department of Justice and Public Safety under the Clean Water Act.
Gillespie was ordered to pay $2,500 plus a surcharge of $750, or spend 68 days in jail, for failing to obtain a watercourse alteration permit. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 plus a surcharge of $1,500, or spend 133 days in jail, for failing to comply with an order issued under the act.
A local resident was canoeing along the river with his wife in July of 2016, and noticed that a large portion of the bank had been excavated. As a result of his complaint, the Department of Environment and Local Government completed inspections of the property.
Environmental inspectors issued an order, directing Gillespie to cease all work until he applied for and received a watercourse alteration permit. Gillespie did not comply with the order and the Department of Justice and Public Safety began an investigation.
An alteration permit is required for any work undertaken within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland. Permits issued by the Department of Environment and Local Government stipulate the manner in which work can proceed while protecting the province’s water and ecosystems.
Gillespie has been given until July 12 to pay his fines.
Anyone with information on illegal activity related to the environment is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
17-01-18