Judgement comes after foam particles spread to neighbours' homes.
Two construction companies have been fined a total of $85,000 for breaking Ontario’s environmental laws after foam particles spread into a Kingston neighbourhood.
Ostim Ltd. and Pomerleau Inc. were convicted in Kingston court for separate violations under the Environmental Protection Act. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks said the incident involved work at a retirement residence on Princess Street in 2021.
Ostim was fined $45,000 for discharging expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam particles into the environment. Pomerleau was fined $40,000 for failing to tell the ministry about rasping work, as required by a Provincial Officer’s Order.
The foam particles came from “rasping” EPS foam, a process used to smooth insulation before applying stucco. The ministry received complaints from residents when the particles blew onto nearby properties.
Both companies were ordered to take steps to prevent more discharges, but didn’t follow the rules.
The ministry’s Environmental Investigations and Enforcement Branch laid charges after investigating. Ostim and Pomerleau were convicted in late 2024 and early 2025.
The companies have been given time to pay their fines.
Story by Bob Perreault
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