Omega Protein, Pollution, VA 2013

Norfolk, VA – Omega Protein, Inc., a Houston, Texas-based menhaden fishing and processing company, faced significant legal repercussions for years of polluting the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters, according to court documents unsealed this week. The case, originating in 2013, revealed a pattern of deliberate environmental violations stemming from the company’s Reedsville, Virginia operations and its associated fishing fleet.

Between May 2008 and September 2010, Omega Protein routinely discharged illegal pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay. The company’s Reedsville processing facility generated “Bail” water – a mixture of water and fish waste – which was permitted for discharge *only* beyond three nautical miles from shore and without the addition of other contaminants. However, investigators discovered Omega intentionally combined the Bail water with processing byproducts and caustic chemicals before releasing it within the three-mile limit, a direct violation of federal law.

The scheme didn’t stop at the processing plant. From April 2009 through September 2010, Omega’s fishing fleet engaged in the systematic discharge of oily wastewater directly into the ocean. Vessels were equipped with bilge pumps connected to the ship’s hull, designed specifically to bypass standard waste management systems and pump oily waste overboard during voyages. This practice, investigators found, was commonplace throughout the fleet.

The investigation, a joint effort between the Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, uncovered a calculated disregard for environmental regulations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph L. Kosky, Olivia Norman, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lastra led the prosecution, presenting evidence that painted a clear picture of intentional misconduct. The company initially faced charges on March 22, 2013.

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Penalties and Continued Scrutiny

On June 4, 2013, Omega Protein was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $7.5 million in financial penalties for violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1311(a), 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(3)). However, the legal saga didn’t end there. A probation violation hearing held on December 5, 2016, revealed further non-compliance, leading the court to extend Omega’s probationary period by an additional two years. This demonstrates a pattern of disregard for court orders and environmental regulations.

Key Facts

Defendant: Omega Protein, Inc.
Crime: Clean Water Act Violations – Illegal discharge of pollutants and oily wastewater.
Location: Reedsville, Virginia & Chesapeake Bay
Timeframe: 2008-2016
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311(a), 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(3)
Penalties: $7.5 million in fines and 5 years of probation (original sentence + extension)
Investigating Agencies: Coast Guard Investigative Service & EPA Criminal Investigation Division

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for companies prioritizing profit over environmental responsibility. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow any further developments regarding Omega Protein and its compliance with environmental regulations.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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