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NORTH CAROLINA COMPANY PLEADS TO POLLUTING CONSPIRACY

Release Date: 03/29/2002
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2002
NORTH CAROLINA COMPANY PLEADS TO POLLUTING CONSPIRACY

Luke C. Hester 202-564-7818 / [email protected]


Lakeview Packing Corp. of Snowhill, N.C., has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act. Lakeview Packing is a hog slaughter and processing company. The company admitted that it conspired with its employees to intentionally discharge processing wastes from its facility through a drainage pipe into Tyson Marsh which empties into Contentnea Creek, a tributary of the Neuse River. The amount discharged averaged approximately 30,000 gallons per day. The discharge of animal processing wastes into surface waters can make them unsafe for drinking and recreation and can promote the growth of microorganisms such as pfisteria, which can be harmful to fish, wildlife and humans. When sentenced, the company faces a maximum potential fine of up to $500,000. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture office of Inspector General, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Greenville, N.C.

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