Linder Oil Company, Violating Rivers and Harbors Act, Louisiana 2009

New Orleans, LA – Linder Oil Company has been sentenced following a guilty plea to violating federal waterways regulations, according to court documents unsealed this week. The Louisiana-based company illegally discharged saltwater into Breton Sound, a sensitive coastal ecosystem, in 2009. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and pursued through the Department of Justice, highlights ongoing concerns regarding industrial pollution in Louisiana’s waterways.

On July 21, 2009, Linder Oil Company was formally charged with a single count of violating the Rivers and Harbors Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. § 407. The charge stemmed from evidence revealing the company directed a contractor to deliberately drain saltwater accumulated in a storage tank directly into Breton Sound. This action bypassed established environmental protocols designed to prevent the contamination of navigable waters.

Court records show the company quickly accepted responsibility, pleading guilty on September 9, 2009. The sentencing, also handed down on the same day, included a $50,000 criminal fine. Beyond the fine, Linder Oil Company was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to both the Southern Environmental Enforcement Network (SEEN) and the Louisiana State Police Right to Know Fund. The Right to Know Fund supports hazardous materials information, preparedness, and emergency response capabilities within the state.

The Rivers and Harbors Act, enacted in 1899, is a cornerstone of federal efforts to regulate activities impacting U.S. waterways. Section 407, the specific statute violated by Linder Oil, prohibits the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters without proper authorization. The EPA routinely pursues enforcement actions against companies and individuals who flout these regulations, often resulting in substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment.

Environmental advocacy groups have long criticized the lax enforcement of environmental regulations in Louisiana, particularly in areas heavily industrialized. While the EPA secured a conviction in this case, some argue that the penalties imposed on Linder Oil Company are insufficient to deter future violations. The incident underscores the need for increased vigilance and stricter oversight of oil and gas operations in the region.

Linder Oil Company was also sentenced to a 12-month probationary period, requiring them to demonstrate ongoing compliance with environmental regulations. The case serves as a reminder that companies operating near sensitive ecosystems face significant legal and financial repercussions for environmental misconduct. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Linder Oil Company
Crime: Violation of the Rivers and Harbors Act (33 U.S.C. § 407)
State: Louisiana
Year: 2009
Penalty: $50,000 fine, $10,000 restitution to SEEN, $10,000 restitution to Louisiana State Police Right to Know Fund
Probation: 12 months
Discharge Location: Breton Sound, Louisiana

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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