Bradley Tressler, Manure Dumping, Indiana 2017

Rushville, IN – A dairy farm manager has avoided jail time despite being responsible for the death of over 50,000 fish in the Little Flatrock River, following a state-level criminal enforcement case brought forth by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Bradley Tressler, the manager in question, was sentenced on September 6, 2017, but received a two-year suspended sentence, meaning he will not serve time in prison unless he violates the terms of his probation.

The incident originated on June 24, 2016, when IDEM’s Emergency Response On-Scene Coordinator responded to a complaint regarding a noticeable manure odor emanating from the Little Flatrock River. The investigation quickly revealed a deliberate act: Tressler had directly pumped the contents of a manure lagoon into the waterway. This discharge, a blatant disregard for environmental regulations, resulted in a significant fish kill, devastating the local aquatic ecosystem.

While the exact motivations behind Tressler’s actions remain unclear, sources close to the investigation suggest potential cost-cutting measures related to proper manure disposal played a role. Legal experts note that proper manure management is crucial for preventing water contamination and protecting sensitive ecological areas. The sheer scale of the fish kill – exceeding 50,000 – underscored the severity of the environmental damage caused by the illegal dumping.

The case highlights a continuing struggle for environmental enforcement agencies like IDEM. While criminal charges were filed and a conviction secured, the suspended sentence has drawn criticism from environmental advocacy groups who argue it doesn’t adequately address the harm caused. They point to the need for stronger penalties to deter similar incidents in the future and underscore the importance of protecting Indiana’s waterways.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Bradley Tressler
Location: Little Flatrock River, Indiana
Date of Incident: June 24, 2016
Environmental Impact: Death of over 50,000 fish
Statutes Violated: STATE (13301015)(k)(1)(I)
Sentence: 2 years incarceration – *Suspended*

Tressler was convicted under Indiana state law, specifically statute STATE (13301015)(k)(1)(I), which addresses illegal discharge of pollutants into state waters. The potential penalties for such a violation include imprisonment and significant financial fines. The decision to suspend the sentence has raised questions about the effectiveness of environmental criminal enforcement in Indiana, and whether the punishment truly fits the crime, given the substantial ecological damage inflicted upon the Little Flatrock River. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

This is a developing story.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases