Koster
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced on Tuesday that he has filed a lawsuit against a Missouri resident who allegedly violated the state's air conservation laws.
Tim Ward allegedly burned building materials on his property without a permit, releasing potentially harmful pollution into the environment. He allegedly burned particle board, lumber, insulation, masonite panels and vinyl sheet flooring.
"We all have not only a moral obligation, but also a legal obligation, to serve as stewards of our environment," Koster said. "When people violate our laws by polluting the air and harming our quality of life, this office will not stand idly by."
Koster was alerted to the alleged violations by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which tried unsuccessfully to have Ward comply with the law, Koster says.
Koster is asking the court to issue a permanent injunction against Ward that would require him to comply with the Missouri Air Conservation Law from now on. He also wants civil penalties assessed of a figure not to exceed $10,000 per day for each violation of the law. Finally, Koster wants Ward to pay all costs associated with the litigation.