Fines for industrial accidents keep climbing. On November 4, 2009, BP Canada Energy Company pleaded guilty to one count of causing an odorous discharge that caused an adverse effect. BP was fined $800,000 plus the 25% victim fine surcharge.
BP operates a natural gas liquid fractionation plant in Sarnia’s Chemical Valley. In March 2009, while testing its valves, BP caused a ten minute vapour plume. The plume traveled offsite, causing some residents temporary physical symptoms such as headaches, sore throats and nausea. The plume also disrupted schools and businesses.