By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A St. Joseph business has been ordered to wind down its operations and liquidate after federal and state regulators found longstanding environmental violations.
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri issued the order against HPI Products.
The City of St. Joseph, in a news release, states the court order responds to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources findings against HPI.
The city reports that in its ruling, the Court stated, "given the intrinsically dangerous nature of Receivership Defendants’ businesses, the health and safety of the public and the environment requires Receivership Defendants’ businesses be wound down…" ordering the temporary receiver to conclude the wind down by November 18th.
The temporary receiver will be removing hazardous wastes from the HPI property during clean up.
City officials will continue to pursue the city’s separate action against HP in Buchanan County Circuit Court.
"It's unfortunate that the capabilities and resources were not available to maintain operations in a safe and environmentally sound manner. We are committed to protecting the health and welfare of our community and we will work with our State and Federal partners to ensure expeditious and safe closure," City Manager Bryan Carter said in a written statement released by the city.
In January, the federal court appointed a receiver to HPI and froze the company’s assets.