Millions in Fines for Environmental Crimes - II


May 22, 2009

An $8 million fine and prison time for the guilty parties who violated state and federal environmental laws. An Alabama foundry and several of its subsidiaries were convicted.


Audio Transcript

Mr. Schiff: An $8 million fine and prison time for the guilty parties who violated state and federal environmental laws. An Alabama foundry and several of its subsidiaries were convicted.

Ms. Pickels: "The initial allegations were of worker safety issues and irregular, but ongoing patterns, of illegal waste discharges.”

Mr. Schiff: Special Agent Michelle Pickels at the Newark, New Jersey, FBI office. She investigated a Phillipsburg, New Jersey company with several agencies.

Ms. Pickels: "The Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA; the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety; and the Phillipsburg Police Department.”

Mr. Schiff: Sentencing included prison terms of six to 70 months, new operating rules, and fines.

Ms. Pickels: "Specifically the Phillipsburg, New Jersey company and the individuals convicted were regularly discharging the oils and pollutants into the Delaware River.”

Mr. Schiff: Contact the nearest FBI office if you are aware of any environmental crimes. I’m Neal Schiff of the Bureau, and that’s the FBI’s Closed Case of the Week.”

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