The Chemical Leak Into the River

A chemical used in coal processing leaked from a storage tank at a riverside facility into the river. The water supply of more than 300,000 people was contaminated. Prosecutors say the company, its president and its owners failed to maintain and repair the containment area around the tanks, failed to inspect the tanks, and never drew up the spill-prevention plans the law required. The company, its president and a former owner were charged with negligently discharging a pollutant into a waterway, dumping refuse, and breaking permit conditions. The law here needs only negligence, not intent.