Property in Hamilton’s North End is an environmental concern

Once again a property in Hamilton’s north end, by the bay, is the site of an environmental concern.

Yesterday, property inspectors found up to 30 barrels at a vacant lot turned over, spilling out an unknown liquid, some of it draining into the sewer. The Ministry of Environment was called in and overnight security is set up around the property.

This isn’t the first time the ministry and the city have dealt with this piece of land and it’s owner. Baldev “Dave” Madden purchased 249 Hess and another vacant property at 245 Catharine Street North back in 2005. In 2010, Madden was ordered by the ministry to clean up the hundreds of potentially toxic materials he was storing but he never did. As a result, in February, Madden’s numbered company was convicted of five environmental protection act charges and fined more than $70 000.

Now the city is hoping it can find a group who’s willing to pay for the land and the remediation costs.