Coquitlam Walmart issued non-compliance advisory for tardy reporting of refrigerant spill
The Walmart in Coquitlam Centre has been issued a non-compliance advisory by provincial inspectors related to a spill of contaminants on their property earlier this year.
On Aug. 2, 2024, Ministry of Environment inspectors conducted an office review of Walmart’s 2929 Barnett Highway location following a report of a spill of refrigerant liquid.
“This advisory, the alleged violations and the circumstances to which it refers will form part of the compliance history of Walmart, and will be taken into account in the event of future non-compliance,” inspectors said.
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As a result of an equipment failure, 136 kilograms of R407A refrigerant was released into the environment on Feb. 20. However, the spill was not reported to the Provincial Emergency Program until two days later, inspectors said, noting the province should have been immediately informed.
The province said it also never received an end-of-spill report (EOSR), which was due 30 days after the incident per the Environmental Management Act.
Walmart is considered to be out of compliance until an EOSR is submitted to the province, and can demonstrate it is meeting regulatory requirements.
The Coquitlam Walmart is not the only location flagged for tardy reporting practices in 2024. Since May, provincial inspectors have handed out numerous advisories after finding the same infractions at four Walmart locations in Surrey, and another location in Duncan.
The province follows an escalating enforcement practice, and meaning stores with infractions will be targeted for follow-up inspections, and continued non-compliance can eventually lead to fines.
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