St. Louis, MO – Reidy Terminal, Inc., a barge cleaning operation, and its parent company, Wisconsin Barge Line, Inc., were hit with substantial fines in 1987 following a federal investigation into illegal discharges into the Mississippi River. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of unpermitted waste disposal and a failure to report significant pollution incidents, highlighting a disregard for environmental regulations.
According to court documents filed in July and August of 1987, Reidy Terminal was found guilty of violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1346, 33 U.S.C. 411, 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(5), 33 U.S.C. 1311, 33 U.S.C. 407, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)). The company admitted to unpermitted disposal of hazardous waste, also a violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) [42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)]. The operation, responsible for cleaning barges, allegedly discharged pollutants directly into the river without proper permits or reporting mechanisms. This raised concerns about the potential impact on aquatic life, drinking water sources, and recreational use of the Mississippi.
The investigation extended beyond the corporate entity to include key personnel. Anthony DeJohn, Vice President and Director of Operations for Wisconsin Barge Line, and James Johnson, former manager of Reidy Terminal, both faced criminal charges. DeJohn was initially charged with three counts, including unlawful discharge of pollutants (33 U.S.C. 1311 and 1319(c)(1)), failure to report the discharge (33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(5)), and violating the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 (Refuse Act) – 33 U.S.C. 407 and 411. One charge was dismissed, but he ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal discharge. Johnson was charged with discharging pollutants without a permit (33 U.S.C. 1311 and 1319(c)(1)) and also entered a guilty plea.
The sentencing, handed down in 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. DeJohn received 36 months of probation, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service over the first 30 months of his probation, while Johnson was sentenced to 36 months probation and 100 hours of community service. Both individuals were also assessed a $25 special assessment. These penalties, while significant for the time, underscore the EPA’s commitment to holding both corporations and individuals accountable for environmental crimes.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Reidy Terminal, Inc. and Wisconsin Barge Line, Inc.
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Year: 1987
- Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants and hazardous waste into the Mississippi River, violating the Clean Water Act and RCRA.
- 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.
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1346, 33 U.S.C. 411, 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(5), 33 U.S.C. 1311, 33 U.S.C. 407, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental enforcement cases and report on efforts to protect our waterways. This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental regulations are not merely suggestions, but legally binding requirements with serious consequences for those who choose to ignore them. The lack of reporting, in particular, is a consistent issue in these cases and hinders effective environmental oversight.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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