BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A hazardous waste collection firm now owes the state of Ohio more than $34 million following a court ruling tied to a major environmental cleanup in Martins Ferry.
Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra ruled Tuesday in a civil lawsuit that Austin Master Services must pay a civil penalty of more than $28 million. The judgment also includes over $6 million in cleanup costs related to the environmental contamination.
State officials say the case stems from a massive environmental mess in Martins Ferry, for which the company was found responsible. The ruling brings the total amount owed by Austin Master Services to the state to more than $34 million.
