Person fined $8K for dumping asbestos near northern Ont. lake

Andree De Vabre of Atikokan, Ont., has been fined $8,000 and pleaded guilty to depositing hazardous construction materials on public land. (File)

Andree De Vabre of Atikokan, Ont., has been fined $8,000 and pleaded guilty to depositing hazardous construction materials on public land.

The conviction dates back to a complaint on social media last spring, the Ministry of Natural Resources said in a news release Friday.

"Conservation officers started an investigation about construction material that had been deposited near Sunshine Lake, northwest of Atikokan," the release said.

"The investigation revealed De Vabre had dumped material containing asbestos on public land. More than 50 bags of siding material were deliberately deposited prior to May 30."

De Vabre removed the deposited materials from the site and properly disposed of them before his court date.

Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Oct. 4 and levied the fine.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

For more information about unsolved cases, click here.