Aldes K Vidrine III, Unlawful Discharge of a Pollutant, Louisiana 2016

Abbeville, Louisiana – A former plant manager has been sentenced for illegally discharging pollutants into a Louisiana waterway, according to federal prosecutors. Aldes K. “Al” Vidrine III, 52, of New Orleans, received 24 months of probation and a $25,000 fine after pleading guilty to a violation of the Clean Water Act.

The case, investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Louisiana State Police, revealed that Vidrine, while employed as a manager at the Omega Protein Inc. plant in Abbeville, directed employees to bypass established wastewater treatment procedures. On February 1, 2016, Vidrine instructed workers to connect a hose to a treatment pond and discharge process water directly into a canal leading to the Vermilion River.

Prosecutors stated that the deliberate act circumvented environmental safeguards designed to prevent harmful substances from entering the Vermilion River, a vital ecosystem and source of recreation for the region. The unauthorized discharge constitutes a serious breach of federal environmental regulations, potentially impacting aquatic life and water quality.

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Legal Ramifications

Vidrine pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful discharge of a pollutant into a water of the United States, specifically violating 33 U.S.C §1319(c)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act. This statute prohibits the discharge of any pollutant from a point source into navigable waters without a permit. The penalty for such a violation can include significant fines and imprisonment, as determined by the court.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division continues to work with state and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who knowingly violate environmental laws.

Key Facts

Defendant: Aldes K. “Al” Vidrine III
Location: Abbeville, Louisiana
Date of Offense: February 1, 2016
Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants into the Vermilion River
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C §1319(c)(1)(A) – Clean Water Act
Sentence: 24 months probation, $25,000 fine
Investigating Agencies: U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, Louisiana State Police

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting Louisiana’s waterways from industrial pollution and the commitment of federal and state authorities to enforce environmental regulations.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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