On Feb. 5, the department launched an investigation after receiving a report that vegetable oil had been released on Garden Protein’s property into a ditch that leads into the Fraser River.

Investigators say samples were taken, and analyses confirmed a violation of the Fisheries Act. The company was fined $285,000, and ordered to improve its Richmond-based plant to prevent future spills.

As a result of the conviction, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.

The Fraser River is classified as having a high fisheries value, and the federal government is in charge of pollution prevention and enforcement.

ticrawford@postmedia.com