"CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two former owners of Freedom Industries pleaded guilty on Monday to environmental violations stemming from last year's Charleston chemical spill that prompted a temporary tap water ban for 300,000 residents.

At separate hearings, William Tis, 60, and Charles Herzing, 64, entered the pleas to causing an unlawful discharge of a coal-cleaning agent into the Elk River.

Each faces up to a year in prison when sentenced June 22. They also face fines of $25,000 per day per violation, or $100,000 — whichever is greater."

John Raby reports for the Associated Press March 16, 2015. [2]