Environment and Climate Change Canada reported Tuesday that Acklands-Grainger — the Ontario-based Canadian business of W.W. Grainger — faces a $500,000 fine after violating environmental protection laws.
ECCC says that Acklands-Grainger admitted in Alberta provincial court Dec. 12 that it violated laws against the release of ozone-depleting substances. ECCC, a federal department of the Canadian Government, says that the company was found to have been selling aerosal products containing hydroflorocarbons (HCFCs), a banned sustance linked to depleting the earth's ozone layer.
ECCC says an investigation found that between 2012 and 2014, Acklands-Grainger was selling two products — HV Switchgear Lubricant and Sprayon EL2204 — that contained the prohibited HCFC-225.
ECCC says the the fine is to be paid into the Environmental Damages Fund and used for environmental protection projects. Acklands-Grainger will also be added to ECCC's Environmental Offenders Registry.
Grainger is No.3 on Industrial Distribution's 2016 Big 50 List.
