close
close

Company official blamed 2022 petrochemical spill into Flint River | News, Sports, Work

Company official blamed 2022 petrochemical spill into Flint River | News, Sports, Work



FLINT (AP) — The president of a chemical company has been charged in connection with an unauthorized oil spill that left miles of dark, oily sheen on Michigan’s Flint River more than two years ago.

Rajinder Singh Minhas, 60, of Rochester, Michigan, was arrested and arraigned last week on charges of falsely altering public records, substantial endangerment to the public, discharging a noxious substance into state waters, making false statements and failing to control air pollution and other charges, Michigan Attorney General Dana said Monday Nessel.

Minhas also served as director and treasurer of Flint-based Lockhart Chemical, a company that manufactures coatings, metalworking additives, hydraulic fluids and lubricants.

Nessel said in a release that critical maintenance and upgrades at the facility were allegedly mismanaged and neglected.

About 15,000 gallons of petrochemicals were released on June 15, 2022.

The spill came from a storm drain that discharged into the river, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy said at the time.

The state later required the company to immediately stop using the faulty drainage and stormwater systems and make other changes. Lockhart filed for bankruptcy.

Officials said there is no threat to Flint’s drinking water. Flint used the river for drinking water in 2014-15 before lead contamination forced the city to return water from Lake Huron, which was supplied by a regional supplier.

According to court records, Minhas was released on personal recognizance and is due back in court Jan. 2 for a probable cause conference.

The Associated Press tried to reach Lockhart Chemical for comment Monday, but the company’s phone number was disconnected. A voice message requesting comment was left Monday afternoon for Minhas’ attorney.



Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox