SugarHouse HSP Gaming, LP reached an agreement with the federal government to pay $650,000 after workers performed unauthorized work and dumped construction materials into the Delaware River.
The agreement was announced Monday by U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger, who said in a statement the settlement shows his office’s effort to protect the environment.
“This case reinforces our commitment to protecting the environment by ensuring that corporations either follow environmental laws or face serious sanctions,” Memeger said.
Between 2009 and 2010, SugarHouse failed to obtain a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct work and dump materials into the river, and continued the work despite three cease and desist orders from the Army Corps, prosecutors said.
Under the terms of the settlement, $25,000 will be paid to the government as a civil penalty and the remaining $625,000 paid to the Brandywine Conservatory, an organization approved by the Army Corps which specializes in conservation efforts.
The settlement comes just days after SugarHouse filed revised plans with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for a $540 million expansion. This would complete the second phase of SugarHouse’s original proposal to the board prior to the casino opening in 2010.
“I voted for SugarHouse, but I feel like it’s been a disappointment,” said resident Phillip Menaged.
SugarHouse Gaming issued a statement which said casino officials regretted the actions of its workers and the owners “support the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect the environment and our waterways.”
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