Mooresville, IN – Sun Polymers International, Inc. has been penalized for a negligent discharge of industrial wastewater into the public sewer system, according to federal court documents unsealed this week. The incident, which occurred in May 2007, resulted in an overflow of potentially hazardous material and subsequent financial repercussions for the polyester resin manufacturer.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought charges against Sun Polymers on May 16, 2012, alleging a violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Investigations revealed that approximately 5,000 gallons of industrial wastewater overflowed from an indoor storage tank at the company’s Mooresville facility. The overflow entered floor drains connected to the town’s public sewer system.
The incident stemmed from a transfer of wastewater from an outdoor storage tank to the indoor tank. An employee, left in charge of the operation, reportedly failed to adequately monitor the process, leading to the tank exceeding its capacity. Critically, the discharged wastewater possessed a flashpoint below 99 degrees Fahrenheit, raising concerns about its flammability and potential environmental impact. While the exact quantity of the overflow remains undetermined, the event triggered an immediate response from local authorities and the EPA.
Sun Polymers ultimately pled guilty to one count of negligently violating the Clean Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A). In addition to the CWA violation, the company was also cited under 18 U.S.C. 1001, suggesting potential false statements were made during the investigation – though details surrounding this charge remain limited in public records. Federal prosecutors argued that Sun Polymers failed to exercise due diligence in managing its wastewater, creating an unacceptable risk to the public and the environment.
Penalties and Restitution
On June 5, 2012, Sun Polymers was sentenced by the federal court. The company was ordered to pay an $18,000 federal fine. Furthermore, Sun Polymers was mandated to provide $82,424 in restitution to the Town of Mooresville, Indiana, to cover costs associated with the wastewater discharge and any required remediation efforts. The restitution is intended to offset expenses incurred by the town in addressing the consequences of the pollution event.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Sun Polymers International, Inc.
- Location: Mooresville, Indiana
- Date of Incident: May 31, 2007
- Laws Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act; 18 U.S.C. 1001
- Penalty: $18,000 federal fine
- Restitution: $82,424 to the Town of Mooresville, Indiana
- Nature of Violation: Overflow of approximately 5,000 gallons of industrial wastewater with a flashpoint under 99°F.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. This incident underscores the importance of responsible waste management practices by industrial facilities and the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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