*Attached video: Unusual animals spotted in Ohio
TOLEDO, Ohio (WJW) – An Ohio man has pleaded guilty to killing more than 40,000 fish in the Scioto River.
According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice, 72-year-old Mark Shepherd pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act by dumping about 7,000 gallons of pollutants and hazardous substances into waterways that killed thousands of fish in the Scioto River on April 17, 2021.
According to the release, court documents show that Shepherd “negligently, and without a permit or in violation of a permit, discharged into the Scioto River near Kenton, Ohio, approximately 7,000 gallons of a substance containing ammonia, a pollutant and hazardous substance.”
According to the release, the hazardous substances came from Cessna Transport Inc. and A.G. Bradley Inc., which Shepherd owned and operated.
“There’s a right way and a wrong way to do business – and when your business pollutes Ohio’s natural resources, you will be held accountable,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “I’m grateful for our many partners who work together to keep our land, water and air clean.”
The dead fish were originally reported by a fisherman in Hardin County after contaminants flowed about 18 miles downstream from where Shepherd illegally dumped it, according to the release.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “The Scioto River is home to abundant fish and other wildlife, and it is a valuable community resource, flowing through more than 230 miles of Ohio. As the guilty plea demonstrates, anyone caught illegally discharging substances into our district’s waterways that harm our environment will face prosecution. Our office is committed to preserving our natural resources for Ohio communities to enjoy for generations to come.”
The area where Shepherd dumped the toxins is a common area for recreational fishing.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the hazardous substance killed 43,094 fish, including black bass, flathead catfish, sunfish, and minnows, valued at about $22,500.
Shepherd’s sentencing is set to take place on Aug. 12, 2024.
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