Michigan AG Nessel charges Lockhart Chemical executive with felonies in the Flint River oil spill case, highlighting corporate neglect and environmental concerns.
Flint River Oil Spill Brings Felony Charges for Lockhart Executive
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed multiple felony and misdemeanor charges against Rajinder Singh Minhas, 60, of Rochester, over his role in the 2022 Flint River oil spill. Minhas, the president and director of Lockhart Chemical Company, allegedly failed to address critical maintenance and upgrades at the company’s Flint facility, leading to the release of approximately 15,000 gallons of oil-chemical waste into the Flint River. The spill has since drawn widespread criticism and spurred calls for stricter environmental enforcement.
Video briefing below
AG Nessel Takes Action Against Flint River Oil Spill Negligence
Minhas faces serious charges, including two felonies related to falsifying public records, each carrying a penalty of up to 14 years. He is also charged with endangering public health, violating air pollution control laws, and multiple infractions related to hazardous and liquid industrial waste management. The charges reflect the widespread impact of the oil spill on Michigan’s waterways and public health.
“Pollution of our water resources is unacceptable,” said Nessel. “This case sends a clear message that corporate negligence will not be tolerated in Michigan.”
Lockhart’s violations include using defective wastewater systems and failing to comply with state orders to stop the facility’s operations after the spill. Investigators confirmed the source of the spill through chemical fingerprinting, linking it directly to Lockhart’s facility.
Flint River Oil Spill Spurs Outrage and Environmental Action
The spill drew sharp criticism from environmental advocates and residents, already sensitive to water contamination issues following Flint’s lead water crisis. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued an emergency order in September 2022, mandating Lockhart to halt its operations, dispose of wastewater offsite, and repair defective systems. However, the company’s bankruptcy filing soon after has complicated cleanup efforts.
“This spill shows why strong enforcement is necessary,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Michigan’s water resources are vital to our communities, and violations like this undermine public trust.”
Extensive Violations Revealed in Flint River Oil Spill Probe
Investigations by EGLE and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) uncovered a pattern of violations at Lockhart Chemical. Minhas is charged with over 20 counts, including:
- Two felony counts of falsifying public records, each carrying a maximum 14-year sentence.
- Substantial endangerment to public health, punishable by up to 5 years.
- Unauthorized discharge of hazardous substances, a 2-year felony.
- Nine counts of liquid industrial waste violations, each punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,500 per day.
- Air pollution control violations, with daily fines exceeding $10,000 for ongoing infractions.
Lockhart’s actions violated state laws governing the storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals. The facility failed to report discharges and neglected basic safety protocols, compounding the environmental damage.
Video – Lockhart Chemical Briefing with Sheriff and AG
Flint River Oil Spill: Broader Implications for Michigan Industry
The Flint River oil spill is one of several high-profile environmental violations in Michigan, highlighting gaps in corporate compliance and regulatory oversight. The case has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of industrial pollution laws. The state, working alongside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has taken steps to ensure the site is monitored to prevent further contamination.
Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson emphasized the broader significance of the case: “This prosecution is about more than one company—it’s about holding polluters accountable and protecting Michigan’s future.”
Minhas’s preliminary hearing is set for January 2, 2025, in Genesee County’s 67th District Court. If convicted, he faces decades of imprisonment and substantial fines, signaling Michigan’s commitment to safeguarding its waterways.
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