Marine Shale Processors, Inc., Environmental Crimes, LA 1989

Amelia, Louisiana – Marine Shale Processors, Inc. pleaded guilty to federal environmental crimes in July 1989, stemming from illegal waste handling and disposal practices at its Amelia, Louisiana facility. The corporation, which operated an industrial waste incinerator, faced charges under both the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act (RHAA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

According to court documents, Marine Shale knowingly stored hazardous waste – specifically, bottom sediment sludge from wood preserving facilities utilizing creosote and pentachlorophenol – without the required permits. This constituted a direct violation of RCRA Section 3008(d)(2)(A) [42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)]. The company also illegally discharged contaminated runoff water, waste chemicals, and the byproduct of hazardous waste incineration directly into Bayou Boeuf, a tributary of the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway, violating sections 13 and 16 of the RHAA [33 U.S.C. 407 and 411].

The scope of the environmental damage extended beyond simple discharge. Investigators discovered that Marine Shale had deliberately obstructed the Bayou Boeuf’s navigability by sinking a barge and filling it with incinerated waste material. This act violated sections 10 and 12 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899 [33 U.S.C. 403 and 406], further compounding the severity of the offenses. The unauthorized filling of the waterway created a hazard for navigation and potentially contaminated the surrounding ecosystem.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led the investigation, uncovering a pattern of negligence and disregard for environmental regulations. The facility’s location adjacent to Bayou Boeuf made the illegal dumping particularly damaging, as the waterway connects to a larger, sensitive coastal ecosystem. GrimyTimes has learned that local residents had previously voiced concerns about potential contamination, but their complaints allegedly went unaddressed for a significant period.

On September 18, 1989, Marine Shale was sentenced to pay a substantial fine of $1,000,000, to be paid in ten monthly installments. While this financial penalty represents a significant sum, environmental advocates at the time argued that it did not fully account for the long-term ecological damage caused by the company’s actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over environmental protection.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Marine Shale Processors, Inc.
Location: Amelia, Louisiana
Year: 1989
Laws Violated:
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) – 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)
- Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act (RHAA) – 33 U.S.C. 407, 33 U.S.C. 411, 33 U.S.C. 403, 33 U.S.C. 406
Crime: Illegal storage and disposal of hazardous waste, obstruction of navigable waterway
Penalty: $1,000,000 fine

This case remains a significant example in EPA enforcement history, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to holding corporations accountable for environmental crimes and protecting the nation’s waterways. Further investigation into the long-term environmental impact of Marine Shale’s actions is ongoing.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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