Steve Hopper, Clean Water Act Violation, Missouri 2010

Columbia, MO – Midwest Container, a drum recycling facility, and its owner, Steve Hopper, were both sentenced last month for negligently violating federal Clean Water Act (CWA) standards, according to court documents obtained by GrimyTimes. The sentences, handed down on September 15th and 22nd, 2010, highlight a concerning disregard for environmental regulations and the potential for industrial pollution in the Columbia area.

The investigation, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed that Midwest Container was operating without a required permit for discharging wastewater into the city’s sewer system, known as the Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). This unauthorized discharge constitutes a direct violation of the CWA, designed to protect the nation’s waterways from harmful pollutants.

On March 16, 2010, federal charges were filed against both the company and Hopper, alleging a negligent violation of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act. Both defendants quickly entered a guilty plea, acknowledging their failure to adhere to established environmental protocols. Sources close to the investigation suggest the illegal discharges contained residue from the drum recycling process, potentially introducing hazardous materials into the POTW.

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Timeline of Events

The case unfolded swiftly following the initial charges. Hopper received a sentence of 36 months of probation and was ordered to pay a $30,000 federal fine. Just a week later, on September 22nd, Midwest Container itself was also sentenced to 36 months probation and a matching $30,000 fine. The penalties, while significant, raise questions about whether they are sufficient to deter similar violations by other industrial facilities.

GrimyTimes reached out to the EPA for comment regarding the specifics of the pollutants discharged and the potential impact on the Columbia POTW. An EPA spokesperson stated that the agency is committed to enforcing environmental regulations and protecting public health. They confirmed that ongoing monitoring of Midwest Container’s operations will be conducted during the probationary period to ensure compliance.

Key Facts

Defendant: Midwest Container & Steve Hopper
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Year: 2010
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act.
Penalty: $30,000 fine and 36 months probation for both the company and its owner.
Violation: Operating a drum recycling facility without a permit to discharge wastewater into the POTW.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this story and investigate other potential environmental violations in the region.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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