Ontario Corporation 1451781 – operating as Wall-Ex Inc. – answered the charge in the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe Jan. 23. Justice of the Peace Barry Quinn levied a fine of $4,000.

Acting on tips from the public, an MNR conservation officer attended an aggregate pit near Glen Meyer operated by Wall-Ex Inc. on Nov. 28 of last year. The officer determined at the scene that the operator had no permit for the excavation.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds the public that a licence is required to operate a pit or quarry,” the MNR in Aylmer said in a news release. “A ministry-issued licence or permit is required before any sand or gravel is removed from a property. The conditions and standards set out in the licence minimize adverse environmental impacts from aggregate extraction and ensure rehabilitation of the site when extraction ends.”

Anyone witnessing a natural resource violation can report it to the MNR at 1-877-847-7667. They can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 and become eligible for a cash reward.