Jim Beam fined for Kentucky bourbon spill, fish kill

December 31, 2019

Bourbon company Jim Beam Brands Co. was fined $600,000 for a warehouse fire that caused a bourbon spill and fish kills in the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers.

The Kentucky Courier-Journal reports the company agreed to the fine and a further $112,000 to compensate the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet for costs related to the spill and subsequent cleanup.

The fire started after a lightning strike July 3 that caused the warehouse to collapse, spilling bourbon from 40,000 barrels that eventually made its way into the state’s waterways.

Kentucky’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources found that fish kills were found along 62 miles of the state’s Glenn’s Creek and Kentucky River. Some dead fish were also found along the Ohio River.

The company could also face further sanctions if the spill is found to cause more environmental problems.

Jim Beam fined for Kentucky bourbon spill, fish kill

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