Mooresville, IN – Sun Polymers International, Inc. has been penalized for illegally discharging industrial wastewater into the public sewer system, a violation of federal environmental regulations. The incident, which occurred in May 2007 but resulted in legal action in 2012, highlights ongoing concerns about industrial oversight and responsible waste management practices in the state.
According to court documents, an overflow of approximately 5,000 gallons of industrial wastewater occurred at the Sun Polymers facility in Mooresville. A Sun Polymers employee, while transferring wastewater from an outdoor storage tank to an indoor tank, failed to adequately monitor the process, leading to the tank exceeding its capacity and spilling into floor drains connected to the town’s sewer system. The wastewater was particularly concerning due to its low flashpoint – less than 99 degrees Fahrenheit – presenting a potential fire hazard.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated an investigation following the spill. The probe revealed that Sun Polymers had acted negligently in its handling of the wastewater, constituting a violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Further investigation uncovered that the company also provided false information relating to the incident – a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001, a federal statute prohibiting knowingly making false statements to the government.
On May 16, 2012, Sun Polymers was formally charged with one count of negligent violation of the Clean Water Act [33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)]. The company entered a guilty plea, acknowledging its responsibility for the unlawful discharge. The case proceeded swiftly through the legal system, culminating in a sentencing hearing just weeks later.
On June 5, 2012, Sun Polymers was sentenced by the federal court to pay a total of $100,424. This included an $18,000 federal fine levied as punishment for the CWA violation, and $82,424 in restitution paid directly to the Town of Mooresville, Indiana, to cover the costs associated with mitigating the impact of the illegal discharge on the town’s wastewater treatment facilities. The restitution is intended to help offset expenses incurred by the town due to the contamination.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Sun Polymers International, Inc.
- Location: Mooresville, Indiana
- Incident Date: May 31, 2007 (Legal resolution in 2012)
- Crime: Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)) and false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001)
- Penalty: $18,000 federal fine + $82,424 restitution to Town of Mooresville
- Wastewater Volume: Approximately 5,000 gallons
- Hazard: Wastewater had a flashpoint below 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences companies face when they fail to adhere to environmental regulations and prioritize responsible waste management. The EPA continues to actively investigate and prosecute violations of the Clean Water Act to protect public health and the environment.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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