FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	

ENR

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1998	

DOJ (202) 616-2765

USA (314) 539-6889

TDD (202) 514-1888


MISSOURI CONCRETE MAKER PLEADS GUILTY TO DUMPING CONCRETE


INTO CREEK THAT FLOWS INTO MISSISSIPPI RIVER



	Washington, D.C.     A Missouri concrete maker and one of
its executives pled guilty today to dumping concrete and waste
water into a creek that flows into the Mississippi River,
announced the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri
and the Department of Justice.  


	At a hearing in front of U.S. District Court Judge Catherine
Perry in the Eastern District of Missouri, Breckenridge Material
Company pled guilty to a felony violation of the Clean Water Act. 
The company is charged with discharging untreated waste water and
concrete into Deer Creek, which flows into the Mississippi River. 
It has agreed to pay a $250,000 fine and will serve a three year
probation.


	"Today's guilty plea should serve as a warning:  If a
business does not comply with its permitted discharges, we will
investigate and prosecute," said Lois J. Schiffer, Assistant
Attorney General for Environment and Natural Resources.  "We are
serious about full compliance under the Clean Water Act.  The
Mississippi River is a national treasure, and we will work hard
to protect it for the American people."


	In addition to the company's plea, Donald Fix, the
Environmental Manager for Breckenridge, pled guilty to the
negligent discharge of pollutants, a criminal misdemeanor
violation of the Clean Water Act.  He faces up to one year in
prison, a $100,000 fine and five years probation.


	Breckenridge had a permit to discharge only waste water that
had been treated to eliminate its corrosive nature.  Water that
is contaminated with a corrosive substance like concrete can kill
fish, plants and other aquatic life.  It could also cause a skin
reaction in humans and should not be taken internally.


(MORE)


	In June 1995, company drivers dumped concrete and waste
water that had not been treated into Deer Creek.  An
investigation began when area residents found unusual foamy
substances in the Creek.


	"All industrial users of our natural resources have an
obligation to use those resources responsibly, in compliance with
the law, so that we and our children can continue to benefit from
clean air, clean water and a clean environment," said Edward L.
Dowd, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.  "We
will continue to investigate alleged environmental violations and
prosecute all violators."


	During its probation the company must develop an
environmental compliance program to prevent such violations from
occurring in the future.  In addition, it must discuss the facts
surrounding its violation and guilty plea with the Missouri
Concrete Association.  


	The company's $250,000 fine includes up to $150,000 in
expenditures for restitution, remediation or environmental
compliance. 


	This case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division and was
prosecuted jointly by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern
District of Missouri and the Environmental Crimes Section of the
Department of Justice.  The Missouri Attorney General's Office
and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources provided
assistance.


	"Our rivers and streams are valuable resources that belong
to everyone.  Working with all our partners and the public, we
can and will protect our waters and the public from the pollution
caused by illegal waste disposal," said Steven Howell, Special
Agent in Charge of the EPA Criminal Investigation Division's St.
Louis office.


	"We will continue to work with our counterparts in the
federal government to aggressively enforce environmental laws
that help keep our waterways clean," said Missouri Attorney
General Jay Nixon.   "This case has been another excellent
example of state and federal cooperation to protect the
environment."


	Sentencing is set for September 18, 1998 before Judge Perry.


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