St. Louis, MO – Reidy Terminal, Inc., a barge cleaning operation, and its parent company, Wisconsin Barge Line, Inc., along with two company executives, faced federal charges in 1987 for multiple violations of environmental regulations, resulting in substantial fines and probation sentences. The case, brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposed a pattern of illegal discharge and improper waste disposal into waterways.
The legal proceedings began on July 23, 1987, with Reidy Terminal, Inc. pleading guilty to one count of unpermitted hazardous waste disposal under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A). Simultaneously, Wisconsin Barge Line, Inc. entered a guilty plea to five counts of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C. 1311 and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1), concerning unauthorized discharge into navigable waters. These initial pleas established a foundation of corporate responsibility for the environmental damage.
The investigation extended to individual accountability, with indictments filed against Anthony DeJohn, Vice President and Director of Operations for Wisconsin Barge Line, and James Johnson, former manager of Reidy Terminal. DeJohn was initially charged with three counts – illegal discharge of pollutants (33 U.S.C. 1311 & 1319(c)(1)), failure to report a discharge (33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(5)), and violating the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 407 & 411). He ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts: unpermitted discharge of pollutants and waste. One charge of failure to report a discharge was dismissed. Johnson, similarly, pleaded guilty to one count of discharging pollutants without a permit (33 U.S.C. 1311 & 1319(c)(1)).
Federal sentencing, delivered throughout August and September 1987, reflected the severity of the offenses. Reidy Terminal, Inc. was ordered to pay a $250,000 fine, along with a $200 special assessment. Wisconsin Barge Line, Inc. received a $125,000 fine and a $100 special assessment. While the corporations bore the brunt of the financial penalties, the executives also faced consequences. DeJohn received 36 months of probation, requiring 200 hours of community service over the first 30 months, and a $25 special assessment. Johnson was sentenced to 36 months probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $25 special assessment.
The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and holding both corporations and individuals accountable for polluting activities. The violations by Reidy Terminal and Wisconsin Barge Line demonstrate a disregard for the Clean Water Act and the potential harm to the Missouri waterways. The guilty pleas and subsequent penalties served as a warning to other industrial operations regarding the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and proper waste management procedures.
Key Facts
- Defendant(s): Reidy Terminal, Inc., Wisconsin Barge Line, Inc., Anthony DeJohn, James Johnson
- Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants and hazardous waste, failure to report discharge, violation of environmental regulations
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Year: 1987
- Statutes Violated: Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1311, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1), 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(5)), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)), Rivers and Harbors Act (33 U.S.C. 407, 33 U.S.C. 411)
- Penalties: Reidy Terminal – $250,000 fine + $200 assessment. Wisconsin Barge Line – $125,000 fine + $100 assessment. DeJohn – 36 months probation, 200 hours community service, $25 assessment. Johnson – 36 months probation, 100 hours community service, $25 assessment.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on developments as they unfold.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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