What company executives did was inexcusable. These men made conscious business decisions to illegally pollute the environment, store hazardous wastes and endanger workers. And not just once or twice, but repeatedly. For example, federal officials said the company dumped wastewater containing mercury, chlorine or caustic substances into nearby waterways on 178 days in 1993 and 1994. Mercury-tainted water was released into the ground 11 times.
Serious concerns remain about the long-term damage done to the aquifer.
Locking these culprits behind bars shows that an environmental catastrophe of this sort will not be tolerated. They did the crime. Thanks to Judge Alaimo, they will do some time. And since this is a federal conviction, they will serve every day of their sentences. Online archives Search for past editorials by date Contact us.