St. Louis, MO – President Casinos, Inc., operators of the Admiral floating casino beneath the St. Louis Arch, were slapped with a hefty fine and ordered to pay restitution following a guilty plea to federal pollution charges in 1998. The case, brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a disturbing pattern of illegal sewage discharge directly into the Mississippi River.
According to court documents, employees of President Casinos knowingly allowed untreated sewage to leak from damaged hoses used to transfer waste from the casino’s collection tanks to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District treatment plant. Rather than repairing the deteriorating infrastructure, casino personnel permitted the discharge through intentional holes in the hoses, effectively bypassing environmental regulations and contaminating a vital waterway.
The EPA’s investigation uncovered evidence suggesting this practice wasn’t accidental, but a deliberate, albeit negligent, method of waste disposal. The Mississippi River, a major navigational and ecological resource, faced potential harm from the introduction of raw sewage. While the full extent of the environmental damage remains unclear, the EPA acted swiftly to hold President Casinos accountable for their actions.
Legal Ramifications
On June 23, 1998, President Casinos, Inc. was formally charged with violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 33 U.S.C. 407 (deposit of refuse in navigable waters) and 33 U.S.C. 411 (wrongful deposit of refuse). The charges stem from the Clean Water Act (CWA) and carry significant penalties for unlawful discharge of pollutants. The company entered a guilty plea, acknowledging their responsibility in the matter.
Just over a week later, on July 2, 1998, the court handed down its sentence. President Casinos was ordered to pay a $200,000 federal fine. In addition to the fine, the company was also mandated to pay $200,000 in restitution to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, presumably for resources expended in investigating and addressing the pollution incident. This dual penalty underscores the severity of the offense and the commitment to both environmental protection and public safety.
Key Facts
- Defendant: President Casinos, Inc.
- Location: Admiral Casino, St. Louis, Missouri
- Crime: Illegal discharge of untreated sewage into the Mississippi River
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 407 & 33 U.S.C. 411 (Clean Water Act)
- Penalty: $200,000 federal fine & $200,000 restitution to Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Timeline: Charges filed June 23, 1998; Sentencing July 2, 1998
This case serves as a stark reminder that even large corporations are subject to environmental laws and will be held accountable for polluting our nation’s waterways. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime and report on those who put profit over the health of our communities and ecosystems.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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