Crystal Extrusion Systems, LTD, Pollution, MO 2015

Union, MO – Crystal Extrusion Systems, LTD, a Missouri-based aluminum manufacturer, was sentenced in March 2015 after pleading guilty to illegally discharging a hazardous pollutant into Flat Creek in August 2013. The incident, stemming from gross negligence, resulted in significant environmental damage and a substantial penalty for the company, formerly known as Gateway Extrusions, LTD.

According to court documents, the company produced a highly caustic waste stream containing concentrated sodium hydroxide and aluminum, registering a pH of approximately 14. This waste was typically neutralized in an on-site pit before off-site disposal. However, on August 7, 2013, a CES employee inadvertently left a water hose running overnight. The uncontrolled water flow overwhelmed the neutralization pit, leading to a discharge of the caustic material directly into Flat Creek via a connected storm water drain.

The resulting spill impacted an estimated 300-400 yards of the creek. CES, along with its contractor Environmental Restoration, initiated a four-day cleanup operation, successfully recovering approximately 30,000 to 35,000 gallons of the contaminated water. However, the damage to the aquatic ecosystem and potential long-term effects remain a concern for local environmental groups.

Crucially, Crystal Extrusion Systems, LTD did *not* possess the necessary permit to discharge any waste into Flat Creek, a designated “water of the United States” protected under federal law. Investigators determined the incident was a direct result of negligent practices and a failure to adequately monitor and maintain the company’s waste management systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led the criminal investigation, highlighting the agency’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding polluters accountable.

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Legal Ramifications

On December 2, 2014, Crystal Extrusion Systems, LTD was formally charged with violating 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act. This statute prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source without a permit. The company subsequently pled guilty to the charge. On March 2, 2015, the court sentenced Crystal Extrusion Systems, LTD to a 24-month period of probation and ordered the company to pay a fine of $75,000. The sentencing serves as a reminder to industrial facilities of the severe consequences associated with environmental violations.

Key Facts

Defendant: Crystal Extrusion Systems, LTD (formerly Gateway Extrusions, LTD)
Location: Union, Missouri
Date of Incident: August 7, 2013
Pollutant: Caustic waste mixture (high pH sodium hydroxide and aluminum)
Waterway Affected: Flat Creek
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Clean Water Act
Penalty: 24 months probation & $75,000 fine
Cleanup: Approximately 30,000-35,000 gallons of contaminated water recovered.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments regarding the environmental impact and the company’s compliance with the terms of its probation.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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