DES MOINES — The Iowa Attorney General’s Office today (Tuesday) said a judge has ruled that a former Atlantic vehicle recycler must pay an additional $50,000 penalty for violating environmental laws and ignoring state orders to clean up the abandoned site.   Fourth District Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Larson also ruled that Jason Wright, who now lives in Colorado, is liable for future cleanup costs and could face contempt charges if he fails to comply with the order.

In his ruling issued Feb. 21st, Judge Larson said “Wright repeatedly ignored the DNR’s notifications, warnings, and an administrative order to remove the solid waste and contamination left behind by his company. At trial, Wright appeared unconcerned about the condition of the property, and demonstrated no inclination he intends to comply with the administrative order.”

The ruling is on top of an order last April in which Chief Judge Larson imposed a $100,000 penalty on Wright’s business, Recycling Services LLC.  The Department of Natural Resources, represented by the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, sued Wright and Recycling Services on Feb. 1, 2019, and the case was tried on Feb. 5, 2020, in Cass County.