Michael J. Wolf, Illegal discharge of pollutants resulting in a fish kill, Iowa 2015

Sioux City, IA – A former employee of Sioux-Preme Packing Corporation (SPC) has been sentenced for illegally discharging pollutants into a tributary of the West Branch of the Floyd River, resulting in a significant fish kill. Michael J. Wolf, 57, of Remsen, Iowa, pled guilty in December 2014 and received a sentence of one year probation and six weekends in county jail in July 2015.

According to court documents, Wolf oversaw wastewater treatment at the pork processing plant. In October 2012, following contracted lagoon cleaning work, Wolf intentionally released approximately 845,000 gallons of untreated wastewater over an 11.5-hour period. This discharge contained pollutants including biological material and agricultural waste, directly impacting the local aquatic ecosystem.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) began investigating reports of discolored water and stressed fish on October 27, 2012. Just two days later, investigators confirmed a substantial fish kill and identified the source as originating from the SPC facility. The IDNR Fisheries Bureau’s subsequent assessment revealed the impact extended over 11.13 miles of the waterway, affecting various fish species.

The case, a joint investigation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the IDNR, highlighted a deliberate violation of environmental regulations. Wolf admitted to knowingly discharging the pollutant, bypassing standard treatment protocols and disregarding the potential harm to the river and its inhabitants. Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild prosecuted the case, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Michael J. Wolf, 57, Remsen, IA
Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants resulting in a fish kill
Location: Tributary of the West Branch of the Floyd River, Iowa
Date of Discharge: October 23-24, 2012
Amount Discharged: Approximately 845,000 gallons of untreated wastewater
Impact: 11.13 miles of waterway affected; significant fish kill

Wolf was convicted of violating 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) of the Clean Water Act. The penalty included one year of probation and six weekends in county jail, a relatively light sentence considering the environmental damage caused. Environmental advocacy groups have often criticized such penalties as insufficient to deter future violations of the Clean Water Act and adequately protect vital waterways.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments regarding environmental enforcement in Iowa. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible waste management practices within the agricultural and processing industries, and the potential consequences of failing to adhere to environmental regulations.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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