Vale pleads not guilty to environmental charges

Vale Newfoundland and Labrador pleaded not guilty to three charges under the Fisheries Act in court on Thursday.

The company is accused of dumping a 'lethal effluent' into Edwards Cove, Anaktalak Bay in Labrador. The area is near the Voisey's Bay nickel mine site.

The offence period is from Oct. 4 to 31, 2011.

Vale is also accused of not taking adequate steps to prevent it, and with failing to report the incident. 

The matter is back in court on March 18.