Alberta pulp mill fined $1M for releasing 31 million litres of toxic wastewater into Peace River

The operator of a northwestern Alberta pulp mill has been fined $1 million after nearly 31 million litres of toxic wastewater were released into the Peace River, posing a serious threat to aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says the 2021 discharge by Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd. was found to be “acutely lethal” to fish, in violation of the Fisheries Act. The company pleaded guilty last month, and as a result, its name will now be added to the federal Environmental Offenders Registry.

According to investigators, the release occurred in April 2021, when the mill was temporarily shut down for maintenance. During that time, toxic waste was diverted to a spill pond intended for storage and gradual treatment. However, the pond exceeded its capacity, resulting in the contaminated water overflowing into the Peace River.

Officials say the incident could have had long-term ecological impacts, though Mercer has since taken corrective measures to expand its storage capacity and prevent future incidents.

Environmental advocates in northern Alberta say the case highlights the need for tighter industrial monitoring and stronger safeguards to protect the Peace River watershed — an area vital to both local wildlife and Indigenous communities who depend on it for sustenance and cultural practices.

The $1-million fine will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, which supports projects aimed at restoring and protecting ecosystems affected by industrial pollution.