Wyoming truck driver, Leo Slemin is facing criminal charges after being accused of dumping oilfield waste in North Dakota.
Slemin allegedly dumped environmentally hazardous salt water – a byproduct of oil production, and is being charged with a Class C felony.
An Inspector for the Department of Mineral Resources reported witnessing Slemin driving with the valves underneath his truck open, allowing the salt water to flow out and onto a stretch of gravel road (on February 14th, 2014.). – A direct violation of North Dakota’s Industrial Commission regulations.
This incident is said to have occurred in an area where there have been numerous reports of similar illegal dumping activity.
According to Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem:”
“The majority of waste haulers should not have to compete with those few who illegally cut corners.”
If convicted, Slemin faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Black Hills Trucking (the company that Slemin was working for) could be fined more than $950,000 in civil penalties for repeat waste-dumping offenses. Additionally, Black Hills Trucking faces fines from two state agencies of up to $1,000 per day for hauling waste without a license since 2008.
Sources
Bloomberg Businessweek
KFYRTV
KXNews
The Dickinson Press
WDAY6