MINERVA BUSINESS TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCIDENTAL POLLUTION OF LOCAL WATERWAY
Over $6,000 in restitution will be paid
MINERVA, OH – Minerva Cheese factory accidentally released whey, a milky substance, into Sandy Creek between Minerva and Malvern, which temporarily depleted oxygen levels and killed over 5,400 fish according to the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The accident occurred on June 14th and affected a 1.5 mile stretch downstream from the Minerva Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“Minerva Cheese factory has been very cooperative with the investigation,” said Doug Miller, Division of Wildlife law enforcement supervisor for northeast Ohio. “This is an unfortunate circumstance, but truly unintentional. The factory agreed to pay $6,067.00 in restitution.”
The Division of Wildlife encourages anyone who is aware of a possible violation of wildlife laws to call the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) line at 1-800-POACHER or click here for TIP form. Callers can remain anonymous.