An Ohio resident has admitted in court to pouring polluted wastewater into a river, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 fish

• Mark Shepherd, aged 72, confessed to breaking the Clean Water Act by releasing roughly 7,000 gallons of wastewater containing harmful substances into the Scioto River near Kenton on April 17, 2021.

• The pollutants originated from two of Shepherd's businesses, as stated by the Justice Department.

• The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ultimately confirmed that 43,094 fish perished due to the toxic substances.

TOLEDO, Ohio (WJW) – A man from Ohio has pleaded guilty to causing the demise of over 40,000 fish by admitting to discharging hazardous elements into the Scioto River.

Mark Shepherd, aged 72, pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act by releasing approximately 7,000 gallons of wastewater containing pollutants and unsafe substances into the waterway near Kenton on April 17, 2021, according to a news release by the United States Department of Justice.

Shepherd, from Kenton, was accused of carelessly pouring 7,000 gallons of wastewater, including ammonia, into the river, as per court records. The pollutants originated from two of Shepherd's businesses, one of which specializes in transporting hazardous materials, as indicated on its website.

“There’s a right way and a wrong way to do business — and when your business pollutes Ohio’s natural resources, you will be held accountable,” stated Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “I’m grateful for our many partners who work together to keep our land, water and air clean.”

Authorities became aware of the dead fish after being notified by a fisherman in Hardin County. It is believed that the wastewater flowed nearly 20 miles from where Shepherd discharged it, according to the release.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources determined that 43,094 fish were killed by the hazardous substances, which were valued at around $22,500 by the DNR.

“The Scioto River is home to abundant fish and other wildlife, and it is a valuable community resource, flowing through more than 230 miles of Ohio,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko of the Northern District of Ohio. “As the guilty plea demonstrates, anyone caught illegally discharging substances into our district’s waterways that harm our environment will face prosecution.”

Shepherd’s sentencing has been scheduled for August 12, 2024.