Royal Canin USA, Inc., Negligent Violation of Clean Water Act, Missouri 2005

ROLLA, MO – Pet food manufacturer Royal Canin USA, Inc. was sentenced in December 2005 following a negligent discharge of pollutants into Missouri waterways, resulting in the deaths of livestock. The incident, stemming from a significant spill at the company’s Rolla, Missouri facility, highlights potential environmental hazards associated with large-scale food production and the importance of prompt reporting of such events.

On March 31, 2005, a substantial quantity of chicken fat escaped from the Royal Canin plant, flowing onto neighboring property and ultimately contaminating two ponds and Beaver Creek. The spill’s impact was swift and devastating. Just four days later, the owner of the affected property discovered a sick cow, one of four animals that would ultimately succumb to the effects of the contamination. The presence of chicken fat in the water sources directly implicated the Royal Canin facility as the source of the pollution.

What compounded the severity of the incident was Royal Canin’s failure to report the spill to the National Response Center. Despite the known contamination and livestock deaths, the company waited over three weeks – until April 22, 2005 – to officially notify authorities. This delay hindered potential mitigation efforts and allowed the environmental damage to worsen.

Federal prosecutors charged Royal Canin with one count of negligently violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically citing 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A). The charge alleged the company’s negligence led to the unauthorized discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. The company quickly accepted responsibility, entering a guilty plea on November 17, 2005.

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Penalties & Resolution

On December 13, 2005, Royal Canin was sentenced to a combination of financial penalties. The sentence included a $125 special assessment fee, $6,272 in restitution to the State of Missouri to cover damages, and a substantial $125,000 federal fine. While the financial penalties aim to address the immediate harm caused by the spill, environmental advocates argue that such fines often remain insufficient to deter future negligence from large corporations.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role environmental regulations play in protecting both public health and the delicate balance of ecosystems. The EPA’s criminal enforcement actions, though sometimes limited in scope, are intended to send a message that environmental violations will not be tolerated. GrimyTimes will continue to follow similar cases, investigating potential patterns of negligence and the effectiveness of current environmental protection laws.

Key Facts

Defendant: Royal Canin USA, Inc.
Location: Rolla, Missouri
Date of Spill: March 31, 2005
Pollutant: Chicken Fat
Impact: Death of four cows; contamination of ponds and Beaver Creek.
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act
Penalties: $125 special assessment, $6,272 restitution to Missouri, $125,000 federal fine.
Reporting Delay: Royal Canin failed to report the spill to the National Response Center for over three weeks.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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