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HOUSTON COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY TO CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATION

Release Date: 05/04/2001
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2001
HOUSTON COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY
TO CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATION

Luke C. Hester 202-564-7818 / hester.luke@epa.gov
On April 25, Coastal Hydro Services, Inc. of Houston, Tex., pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act by illegally discharging used barge cleaning water containing sodium hypochlorite into the Houston Ship Channel. The discharge of barge cleaning wastewater into surface waters can harm fish and other aquatic life and can make the waters unusable for recreational purposes. When sentenced, Coastal faces a maximum fine of up to $500,000 and/or up to three years of probation. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Houston Police and Fire Department under the auspices of the Houston Ship Channel Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Houston.

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