A judge also orders William Holdner to shut down cattle business that illegally discharged waste into tributaries of the Columbia River.
A Columbia County man faces $300,000 in fines and an order to shut down his cattle business that illegally discharged waste into tributaries of the Columbia River.
“Oregon has always been a nationwide leader in environmental protection. This sentence sends an important message: polluting Oregon rivers is not acceptable,” said Attorney General Kroger. “Prosecuting cases like this ensures that businesses who comply with environmental laws are not at a competitive disadvantage.”
William Holdner (DOB: 3/18/26) was convicted in February in Columbia County Circuit Court of two felony counts of Water Pollution in the First Degree and 25 misdemeanor counts of Water Pollution in the Second Degree. A judge late Wednesday sentenced Holdner to 5 days in jail, ordered him to shut down his cattle business in 90 days and ordered him to pay $300,000 in fines. Holdner can avoid up to $225,000 in fines if he complies with certain timelines set forth by the judge.
The evidence showed that Holdner illegally discharged cattle waste in Mud Creek and South Scappoose Creek as well as ran a cattle operation without proper permits.
Senior Assistant Attorneys General Patrick Flanagan and Stephanie Parent prosecuted the case for the Department of Justice with assistance from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon State Police, the Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Environmental protection is one of Attorney General Kroger’s top priorities. The 2009 Oregon Legislature authorized the Department of Justice to use existing funds to create an Environmental Crimes Unit. The unit came together in late 2009 and has opened more than 50 investigations across the state.
Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.
Contact:
Tony Green, (503) 378-6002 tony.green@doj.state.or.us