Crete, Nebraska – Crete Core Ingredients, a pet food ingredient processor, was sentenced to a $100,000 fine in September 2019 following a misdemeanor conviction for violating the federal Clean Water Act. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, centers around a significant overage of permitted pollutants discharged into the City of Crete’s wastewater treatment facility.
According to court documents, Crete Core Ingredients operates a facility in Crete, Nebraska, specializing in the processing of animal materials and byproducts destined for the pet food industry. The company held a wastewater discharge permit issued by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, authorizing them to release treated wastewater into the city’s public system. This permit, however, meticulously outlined strict limits on the allowable levels of specific pollutants.
The EPA’s investigation revealed that on August 5, 2014, Crete Core Ingredients demonstrably exceeded these permitted limits. Flow data submitted to the City of Crete indicated a discharge containing pollutants *more than double* the daily maximum allowed under the terms of their permit. This violation triggered federal scrutiny and ultimately led to criminal charges.
While the specific pollutants involved weren’t publicly detailed, the incident underscores the critical importance of adherence to environmental regulations, particularly for industrial facilities that generate wastewater. Experts emphasize that exceeding permit limits can overwhelm municipal treatment plants, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems and impacting public health. The City of Crete’s treatment facility was reportedly impacted by the excessive discharge.
The prosecution hinged on the violation of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A), a section of the Clean Water Act that specifically addresses unlawful discharge of pollutants. This statute carries penalties including fines and, in some cases, imprisonment for responsible parties. In this instance, the court opted for a substantial monetary penalty, signaling a commitment to enforcing environmental regulations within the state of Nebraska.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Crete Core Ingredients L.L.C.
- Location: Crete, Nebraska
- Crime: Violation of the Clean Water Act
- Date of Violation: August 5, 2014
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)
- Penalty: $100,000 fine
- Investigation Agency: EPA Criminal Investigation Division
The outcome of this case serves as a warning to other industrial facilities operating in Nebraska and nationwide. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of the Clean Water Act, actively investigating and prosecuting companies that prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and report on cases impacting communities across the country.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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