CROWLEY, LA – Southwest Rice Mill Inc. and its president, Frederick Marque De La Houssaye, have been penalized for a negligent discharge of waste oil into Bayou Blanc in 2011 and subsequent failure to report the incident to authorities. The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, highlights the serious consequences of environmental negligence and cover-up.
According to court documents, on May 27, 2011, during routine maintenance of a railroad spur leased by the mill, a laborer inadvertently struck a valve on an above-ground waste oil storage tank. This resulted in a significant spill, with oil shooting up to 15 feet in the air and flowing into a nearby drainage ditch leading to Bayou Blanc, a navigable waterway. Despite being notified of the spill, De La Houssaye allegedly failed to report the incident and left the site with the maintenance crew.
The spill remained unreported until May 28, 2011, when a concerned resident alerted the Crowley District Fire Chief, Robert Burke, to the oil slick on Bayou Blanc. Burke traced the source back to the mill’s drainage ditch. De La Houssaye reportedly told investigators he intended to address the issue after the Memorial Day holiday, a delay that exacerbated the environmental damage.
Environmental Damage and Response
A multi-agency response was initiated, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), and local fire department personnel. The cleanup operation, aimed at mitigating the contamination of Bayou Blanc, ultimately cost federal, state, and local authorities a staggering $1,012,401. The incident underscores the potential financial burden associated with environmental disasters and the importance of swift reporting and remediation efforts.
Legal Ramifications and Penalties
On July 19, 2013, Southwest Rice Mill and De La Houssaye were charged with violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)) for negligently violating the act, as well as 18 U.S.C. 1001, relating to false statements. Both the company and De La Houssaye entered guilty pleas on August 14, 2013. Southwest Rice Mill was sentenced to pay a $2,500 federal fine and $1,012,401 in restitution to the EPA Superfund and LDEQ. De La Houssaye received 24 months of probation and was ordered to pay a $2,500 federal fine and complete 160 hours of community service.
Official Statements
U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley emphasized the office’s commitment to prosecuting environmental crimes, stating, “My office will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who pollute our air, land and water.” Ivan Vikin, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program, added that the case “demonstrates that companies and their senior managers will be held responsible for environmental crimes.” LDEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Southwest Rice Mill Inc. and Frederick Marque De La Houssaye
- Location: Crowley, Louisiana
- Date of Incident: May 27-31, 2011
- Crime: Negligent discharge of waste oil into Bayou Blanc and failure to report.
- Laws Violated: Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)), 18 U.S.C. 1001
- Penalties: Southwest Rice Mill – $2,500 fine & $1,012,401 restitution. De La Houssaye – 24 months probation, $2,500 fine, 160 hours community service.
- Cleanup Costs: $1,012,401
This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental compliance is not merely a matter of regulatory adherence, but a critical responsibility with significant legal and financial ramifications. GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect our natural resources.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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