Home / Environment / Glacier Fuel Spill: Helicopter Firm Fined Heavily
Glacier Fuel Spill: Helicopter Firm Fined Heavily
8 Jul
Summary
- Alpine Helicopters received an $18,550 fine for improperly removing fuel.
- Contaminated snow was illegally dumped on B.C. Crown land.
- The company's actions were deemed a high level of deliberateness.
In June, British Columbia's Ministry of Environment and Parks imposed an $18,550 fine on Alpine Helicopters. This penalty stems from the improper removal of aviation fuel and transmission fluid from Saskatchewan Glacier in Banff National Park. The incident occurred following a helicopter crash on April 14, 2023, which involved Natural Resources Canada glacier surveyors.
The investigation revealed that contaminated snow from the crash site was transported to B.C. Crown land. This action was deemed a serious threat to the environment by ministry officials. While Alpine Helicopters estimated a small amount of fluid spilled, a passenger suggested a much larger quantity.
Evidence from a former employee indicated that management directed staff to remove the contaminated snow from garbage bags about two weeks after the crash. Despite the company's argument that the action was a poor decision made at the end of a busy day and intended to protect staff, the decision noted considerable effort was made to move the material to Crown land.
Alpine Helicopters, which operates bases in B.C. and Alberta for various services, maintains that environmental stewardship is a serious responsibility. The company can appeal the decision within 30 days to B.C.'s Environmental Appeal Board.
