The launch of a new online database will make it easier for British Columbians to keep track of the people, businesses and industries running afoul of B.C.'s environmental rules.

"The searchable database is part of our mission to improve the way we make information available to the public," said Environment Minister Terry Lake. "People have a strong interest in environmental stewardship in their communities and an equal interest in knowing who is responsible for environmental offences."

The free database includes a wide variety of compliance and enforcement actions taken by ministry staff and enforcement officers. It includes orders, administrative sanctions, tickets and court convictions covering hunting and fishing, open burning, mud bogging, dam safety, and pesticide and pollution violations.

Users can search by names, dates or types of infractions dating back to 2006 when the Ministry of Environment began public reporting of violations.

The database augments reporting that takes place through the release of a quarterly Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Summary in conjunction with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

"One of the benefits of making this information even more accessible is that it will serve as an added deterrent and help increase compliance with our regulations," said Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

The public can also help by reporting environmental violations and human-wildlife conflicts to the 24-hour Conservation Officer Service call centre at 1 877 952-7277.

Learn More:

Use the new search tool and find the most recent quarterly Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Summary at:

www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/compliance-reporting

Interested in other useful government data? Check out the new DataBC site: www.data.gov.bc.ca

Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Media Relations Officer
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745