Fuel Company Released 45K Gallons Of Wastewater Into Arthur Kill

ELIZABETH, NJ — An Elizabeth biodiesel fuel company admitted releasing more than 45,000 gallons of wastewater that included methanol, biodiesel, and other contaminants into the Arthur Kill, U.S Attorney Craig Carpenito and Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood announced Tuesday.

On Sept. 6, 2013, and Nov. 9, 2013, Fuel Bio One employees released a total of approximately 45,000 gallons from the Elizabeth commercial biodiesel fuel production facility into the Arthur Kill, a narrow waterway that separates New Jersey from Staten Island, New York, a representative of Fuel Bio One LLC admitted in court Tuesday.

Fuel Bio One LLC pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of violating the Clean Water Act, a statute that was enacted to prevent, reduce, and eliminate water pollution in the United States.

As part of its plea agreement, Fuel Bio One will pay $100,000 and be placed on a probationary term of five years.

During the probation, the company will be required to provide to the court biannual reports of any waste it generates and the steps taken to properly dispose of such waste. Fuel Bio One will also be required to develop an employee training program to ensure that all storage, treatment, and disposal of wastewater complies with the Clean Water Act and any other applicable laws.

The company will also be required to provide the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency full access to all offices, warehouses, and facilities.

“Staten Island Sound (also known as the Arthur Kill) is a vital waterway running between New Jersey and Staten Island. Once heavily polluted and nearly devoid of marine life, this waterbody is making a comeback and again provides habitat to many species of fish and wildlife,” Wood said. “Illegal dumping of pollution into the Sound not only violates federal law, but also threatens the environmental recovery of this historic marine channel, which is important to New Yorkers and New Jerseyans alike. The Justice Department will continue to work closely with EPA Criminal Investigation Division to prosecute illegal actions like those in this case.”

(Image via Shutterstock)

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