Sioux-Preme Packing Co. was ordered Friday to pay a $54,000 civil fine for environmental violations that caused a local fish kill, court documents show.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources alleged in the court petition that the Sioux Center, Iowa-based pork processor illegally discharged wastewater into a West Branch Floyd River tributary, and that the discharge likely killed some 190,000 fish within an 11-mile stretch of the waterway. While this penalty was civil, and not criminal in nature against Sioux-Preme Packing Co., businesses should be aware that intentional violations of environmental law can result in criminal charges being filed against companies, and against company managers and employees personally.
For more information about risk management and how to prevent future environmental violations, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.
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