Texas Judge Finds Formosa 'Serial Offender' As Louisiana Fight Looms

"A Texas federal judge has found a huge Formosa plastics complex northeast of Corpus Christi to be a 'serial offender' with a history of allowing plastic pellets to wash into wetlands and bays along the Gulf of Mexico, and said that the company has committed 'enormous' violations of state law and the U.S. Clean Water Act.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt of Houston on Thursday holds the company liable for past illegal discharges and sets the stage for orders to clean up the tiny pellets and halt future discharges.

Later proceedings will determine penalties for the company that plaintiffs contend should range between $95 million and $184 million."

David J. Mitchell reports for the Baton Rouge Advocate June 29, 2019.