The president of a chemical company, Rajinder Singh Minhas, 60, from Rochester, Michigan, has been charged in connection with the unauthorized discharge of oil that resulted in a miles-long dark, oily sheen on the Flint River in Michigan over two years ago. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Monday that Minhas was arrested and arraigned last week on multiple charges including falsely altering a public record, substantial endangerment to the public, discharge of injurious substances to state waters, false statements and omissions regarding air pollution control, among others.
In addition to his role as president, Minhas also served as director and treasurer of Lockhart Chemical, a Flint-based company specializing in manufacturing coatings, metalworking additives, hydraulic fluids, and lubricants. Allegations suggest that critical maintenance and necessary upgrades at the facility were mismanaged and neglected, leading to the environmental incident.
The incident in question involved the release of approximately 15,000 gallons of an oil-chemical mixture on June 15, 2022, originating from a storm sewer that empties into the Flint River, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy at the time. Following the spill, the state mandated that the company cease using faulty wastewater and stormwater conveyance systems immediately and implement other required changes. Subsequently, Lockhart Chemical has filed for bankruptcy as a consequence of the fallout from the incident.
Authorities reassured the public that the contamination did not pose a threat to Flint’s drinking water. The city had briefly sourced its drinking water from the Flint River in 2014-15, but had to shift back to Lake Huron water provided by a regional supplier due to lead contamination issues.
Minhas was granted release on personal bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 2 for a probable cause conference, according to court records. The Associated Press reached out to Lockhart Chemical for comment on Monday, but the listed telephone number for the company was found disconnected. A voicemail seeking comment was left on Monday afternoon for Minhas’ attorney.
The charges brought against Minhas shed light on the potential environmental hazards and risks associated with industrial activities if not managed and monitored diligently. The legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding regulations and exercising responsibility in protecting natural resources and public safety.
