Farmer guilty in P.E.I. fish kill

A farmer in western P.E.I. pleaded guilty Tuesday morning in connection with one of the largest fish kills in the province's history.

Avard Smallman violatedregulationsrequiring a 15-metre buffer zone between farm fields and waterways. The conviction comes with a fine of between $3,000 and $10,000.

The fish kill happened in mid-July in the Mill, Trout and Big Pierre Jacques Rivers. Traces of pesticide were found in samples taken from the rivers. Scientists believe thousands of trout and salmon were killed.

A second farmer, Warren Ellis, was also charged in the incident. His case was adjourned to Oct. 11.