The Associated Press

PIERRE - South Dakota officials credit an alert Union County resident with sparking an investigation that led to the successful prosecution of a Sioux City, Iowa, man for pollution along Interstate 29.

The resident's tip resulted in the conviction of James Andresen for dumping liquid fertilizer from a semitrailer.

A Union County jury found Andresen guilty. He was ordered to pay up to $45,000 and spend 180 days in jail.

The jail time will be suspended if Andresen pays $15,000 in fines and reimburses the state for up to $30,000 for cleanup costs.

Soil samples confirmed that liquid fertilizer had been dumped at two exits along the interstate.

A resident notified authorities about the pollution in April.

"Using chemicals properly makes America one of the most productive countries in the world, but dumping concentrated chemicals that can pollute our soils and water resources is wrong," Kim McIntosh, environmental senior scientist for the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said in a release. "We appreciate the tip from a Union County resident that led to this arrest and prosecution."

The agency says soil samples confirmed that concentrated liquid fertilizer had been dumped at exits between the Nebraska-Iowa border and the state of South Dakota's port of entry where trucks are checked for weight and other motor carrier violations.