(Newser)
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Federal authorities have accused an Ohio couple of killing "nearly every fish in a three-mile stretch" by illegally dumping 55 gallons of toxic cyanide into a storm sewer. Renato and Teresina Montsori, age 79 and 74, respectively, used to own a metal-plating company that used cyanide, the Cleveland Plain-Dealer explains, before closing it to open a coin and precious metals company on the same spot.
By law, cyanide is supposed to be disposed of by licensed specialists, but Renato allegedly just rolled a drum up to the sewer, punctured a hole in it, and let it drain. "Mr. Montorsi chose to use the river behind us as a dump," a US attorney said at a press conference at the Rocky River Nature Center. The result: Nearly 30,000 dead fish. The couple has been charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice, and Renato has been charged with violating the Clean Water Act.
