The Austin, Texas based menhaden catcher-processor company, Omega Protein has pleaded guilty to criminal charges and will pay $1.2 million in fines for improperly discharging wastewater. Omega Protein will also serve an additional three years on probation.
As part of the agreement, Omega Protein will pay $1 million in fines to the government and $200,000 to the Louisiana State Police, Emergency Service Unit if the Louisiana federal judge agrees.
The wastewater discharge violations occurred at the company's Abbeville, Louisiana plant from 2014 to 2016.
This is not the first time the Company has dealt with improper discharge of wastewater violations. As part of an 2013 agreement, Omega plead guilty to two counts of violating the Clean Water Act and the company paid $7.5 million in fines and restitution and was placed on probation for three years.
Omega Protein Corporation is engaged in developing, producing, and delivering products to enhance the nutritional integrity of foods, dietary supplements, and animal feeds worldwide.
