Emission of contaminants generally

(1) No person shall emit, deposit, issue or cause the emission, deposit, issuance or discharge into the environment of– (a) a contaminant from a domestic, commercial, agricultural, recreational, industrial, or any other source; or (b) a contaminant, the presence of which in the is by these Regulations or is likely to affect the life, health, safety, welfare or comfort of human beings or cause damage to or otherwise impair the quality of the environment, unless a prior permit to do so has been granted by the Department upon such terms and conditions as it may determine. (2) Where the discharge of any pollutant in excess of the prescribed standards occurs or is apprehended to occur due to any accident or other unforeseen act or event, the person responsible for such discharge and the person in charge of the premises, vessel, vehicle or container shall be bound to prevent or mitigate the pollution caused as a result of such discharge and shall also forthwith inform the Department of the fact of such occurrence or apprehension of such occurrence and provide the Department with– (a) a brief description of the emission; (b) an assessment of any damage or potential damage to the public health or the environment associated with the emission; Environmental Protection 97 (c) a description of the emergency response plan and resources to address the discharge; (d) evidence that he has taken or is taking steps to mitigate damage or contamination resulting from the emission. (3) Every person who fails to comply with subregulation (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for one year.