Koster
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced on Monday that his office has filed a lawsuit against a compost business allegations that they violated the state's Clean Water Law.
Black Oak Organics LLC, CHP Environmental, Inc., and owners Craig Post and Alan Chappell are being accused of numerous violations after failing inspections by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The defendants allegedly knew that the composting facility they operate had stormwater flowing over the compost piles, sawdust piles and asphalt shingles, resulting in contamination with organic matter.
This water then discharged into a nearby stream as well as Honey Creek, which could be dangerous if it seeps into the groundwater table, Koster says.
Koster was met with refusal by the defendants when he originally offered a way to settle the matter, he says.
Koster now wants the court to issue preliminary and permanent injunctions requiring the defendants to comply with the Clean Water Law and is seeking a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per day for each alleged violation. He has also asked the court to require the defendants to pay all costs associated with the case.
"The defendants were given the opportunity to correct violations of Missouri's clean water laws," Koster said. "This office will aggressively pursue those who show disregard for our environmental laws."