Metalite Corporation, Pollution, Indiana 2001

New Albany, IN – Metalite Corporation, along with its top executives, faced federal charges and substantial penalties after illegally discharging highly acidic wastewater into a tributary of the Ohio River. The case, brought forward by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights a pattern of environmental negligence stemming from the company’s aluminum lighting fixture manufacturing process.

Metalite, operating out of New Albany, Indiana, utilizes an aluminum anodizing process that generates wastewater containing a cocktail of hazardous substances, including zinc, copper, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid. Instead of properly treating this waste, company officials directed it through a storm drain pipe – originating *inside* the facility – and ultimately into a surface channel leading to the Ohio River. This deliberate act posed a significant threat to aquatic life and potentially compromised drinking water sources.

The investigation, which began in 1999, revealed a clear disregard for the requirements of the Clean Water Act. An indictment was filed on July 14, 1999, against Metalite Corporation, President Marvin Friedman, and Vice-President Wayne Friedman, all accused of illegal discharge in violation of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A). The acidic discharge is known to be particularly harmful to fish and other wildlife reliant on the river’s ecosystem.

After months of legal proceedings, Metalite Corporation entered a guilty plea on October 24, 2000, to two counts of violating the Clean Water Act. Both Marvin and Wayne Friedman also pled guilty to one count each. The sentencing, handed down on February 20, 2001, delivered a multi-faceted punishment designed to address the environmental damage and deter future misconduct.

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Penalties and Restitution

Metalite Corporation was sentenced to 36 months of probation, a $400 special assessment fee, and ordered to pay a hefty $300,000 federal fine. Furthermore, the company was mandated to provide $20,000 in restitution to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Damage Fund, acknowledging the harm caused to local fauna. A $5,000 fine was also levied to the City of New Albany. Wayne Friedman received 36 months probation, a $25 special assessment, and a $10,000 federal fine. Marvin Friedman faced the same probationary period and assessment, but was ordered to pay a $15,000 federal fine.

Key Facts

Defendant: Metalite Corporation, Marvin Friedman, Wayne Friedman
Location: New Albany, Indiana
Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants into the Ohio River watershed
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
Wastewater Contents: Zinc, copper, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid
Penalties: Combined fines and restitution exceeding $345,000, plus 36 months probation for all defendants.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of environmental compliance and the consequences of prioritizing profit over responsible waste management. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue companies and individuals who jeopardize the health of our nation’s waterways.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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