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7/22/2026
WT Staff
 Knowledge of an environmental crime? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email info@wtny.us
July 22, 2026 205 pm EDT
CrimeBox
Historic Conviction Fiscal Year 2015; Case ID# CR_2774 (Missouri)
Institution of higher learning employee involved in release of dangerously corrosive liquid to waters of the USA
The Defendant in this case worked in the maintenance department of the University of Missouri, main campus in Columbia, when the incident leading to this case occurred. The Defendant was charged with a single count, felony violation of the Clean Water Act for discharge of a toxic contaminant to waters of the USA.
The Defendant is a specialist in the maintenance and operation of the U of M's mechanical chillers. The Federal District Court in Missouri received a bill of information stating that on about September 21, 2012, the Defendant was working in the basement of the Union Building, decommissioning one of the chillers. The work involved draining fluids from the piping system. The Defendant chose to release sulfuric acid at pH below .3 into a storm water drain. Approximately 25 gallons of liquid, categorized "D002 characteristic hazardous waste for corrosivity" was discharged to an unnamed tributary of Flat Branch Creek via an outfall from the storm drain system.
The Defendant plead guilty to the charge, sentenced to a federal fine and a term of supervision.
Federal Fines: $7,500; Probation: 12 months.
See last week's CrimeBox here, "Hazmat handling company flushes thousands of gallons of gas, evacuates a school and local businesses. Sentencing included a fine, probation and a public apology."
CrimeBox briefs are compiled from EPA Criminal Enforcement records.
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