FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ENRTUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1998 (202) 514-2008
TDD (202) 514-1888
DENVER CONCRETE COMPANY CHARGED WITH
DUMPING WASTE INTO SOUTH PLATTE RIVER
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Ready-Mixed, a Denver concrete mixing company and its president, Frank P. "Chip" Spratlin IV were charged by a federal grand jury today with knowingly dumping waste into the South Platte River from 1993 to 1996, the Justice Department announced.
As part of its concrete batching business, Ready-Mixed generates wastewater with high pH, and high solid waste material. According to the seven-count indictment handed up today in U.S. District Court in Denver, Ready-Mixed illegally dumped waste from its concrete trucks into a storm drain on the company's property which flows into the South Platte River.
"Illegal waste discharges that threaten the quality of our nation's waters will not be tolerated," said Lois Schiffer, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division.
"Federal law enforcement authorities in Colorado will continue to aggressively pursue individuals and businesses that intentionally foul our nation's water and air," said U.S. Attorney Henry Solano.
The company faces a maximum fine of up to $50,000 per day it violated the law between 1993 and 1996, or $500,000 per count, while Spratlin faces up to 3 years in prison and up to $50,000 fine per day, or $250,000 per count.
An indictment represents charges brought by a grand jury and is not itself evidence. The government has the burden of proving the charges at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division.
### 98-187