SURREY, B.C. - Fines totalling $350,000 have been imposed on two companies and three owners of a Langley, B.C., mushroom farm where three men died after being overcome by toxic fumes.

Two other men were left brain dead in the 2008 incident after the workers were exposed to hydrogen sulphide and ammonia gas while trying to clear a clogged pipe inside a composting shed.

The fines were handed to the companies A1 Mushrooms and HV Truong, and their three owners, who pleaded guilty last May to failing to educate and supervise their workers and failing to follow proper safety guidelines.

The Crown had recommended fines of totalling up to $600,000, saying it didn't want the penalties to seem like they were just the cost of doing business.

The B.C. Federation of Labour says it's disappointed the judge didn't impose any jail time on the owners.

In handing down the fines, the judge said the families of the victims have gone from profound happiness to severe grief.

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