Salt Lake County, UT – Cytozyme Laboratories, Inc., a manufacturer of fertilizers and agricultural supplements, has been penalized for repeatedly and illegally discharging pollutants into the local sewer and stormwater systems. The company and a key executive faced criminal charges stemming from incidents in 2018 and 2020, culminating in significant fines and a probationary sentence.
According to court documents, Cytozyme Laboratories intentionally discharged pollutants into a sewer line connected to their Salt Lake County facility on June 16, 2018, and again on March 12, 2020. These discharges occurred without the necessary permits, violating state environmental regulations. The March 2020 incident was particularly concerning, as the volume of discharge overwhelmed the facility’s grease trap system. This overflow spilled into the parking lot and ultimately entered the storm drain system, potentially impacting local waterways.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigated the matter, uncovering evidence of deliberate, unpermitted discharges. The investigation revealed that Cytozyme Laboratories failed to adhere to standard environmental protocols designed to prevent pollution and protect public health. The nature of the pollutants discharged has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities indicate they were consistent with the company’s manufacturing processes.
Executive Held Accountable
David John Bitter, who served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Cytozyme Laboratories during the time of the offenses, also faced criminal repercussions. His role in the oversight and management of the facility’s environmental compliance was deemed a contributing factor to the illegal discharges. Bitter was sentenced on August 3, 2022, to a $19,043 criminal fine and 24 months of probation.
Penalties & Restitution
On December 8, 2021, Cytozyme Laboratories, Inc. was sentenced to pay a substantial $2,000,000 criminal fine. In addition to the fine, the company was ordered to pay $135,322.29 in restitution to cover costs associated with the cleanup and environmental damage caused by the illegal discharges. The specific statutes violated were state laws pertaining to unpermitted discharge of pollutants, but citations were not publicly released.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Cytozyme Laboratories, Inc.
- Location: Salt Lake County, Utah
- Dates of Offenses: June 16, 2018 & March 12, 2020
- Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants into sewer and stormwater systems
- Company Fine: $2,000,000
- Restitution: $135,322.29
- Executive (David Bitter) Fine: $19,043
- Executive (David Bitter) Probation: 24 months
This case highlights the EPA’s commitment to holding companies and individuals accountable for environmental crimes. The substantial penalties levied against Cytozyme Laboratories and its executive serve as a warning to other businesses that prioritize profit over environmental protection. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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