By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 6 -- Mid-America Pipeline Co. pleaded guilty Sept. 4 and agreed to pay a $1 million criminal penalty for negligently releasing 200,000 gal of ammonia into a Kansas creek, requiring the evacuation of residents and killing fish.
In October 2004, a pipeline ruptured 6 miles west of Kingman, Kan., releasing 204,000 gal of anhydrous ammonia into Smoots Creek. Several endangered species were among more than 25,000 fish killed, said the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The company failed to provide correct information to the National Response Center and Kingman responders about the magnitude of the release, delaying a more comprehensive response. The anhydrous ammonia spread through at least 12 miles of the creek.
"Failure to accurately report spills of toxic chemicals weakens EPA's ability to effectively respond to chemical incidents," said Granta Nakayama, EPA's assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance. "The company's negligence made the situation worse."
Mid-America pleaded guilty to negligently violating the federal Clean Water Act. The criminal penalty will be paid into the Oil Spill and Hazardous Substances Clean-Up Trust Fund.
