DES MOINES, IA (AP) A judge has upheld most of the safety violations but lowered the fine against a Missouri company found responsible for a sewer accident that killed two people and injured five others.

Administrative Law Judge I. John Rossi upheld 18 of the 20 violations against Chesterfield, MO-based Insituform Technologies Inc. Despite the ruling, Rossi reduced the proposed fine of $808,250 by more than $650,000, citing industry norms.

Rossi issued his 42-page opinion the week of Dec. 29.

“The evidence clearly shows that there were serious deficiencies” in Insituform’s safety practices during the job, Rossi wrote.

He agreed with state safety inspectors that the city of Des Moines, which hired the company to fix 5 mi. (8 km) of sewer line, shared responsibility for the accident.

The city was fined $2,500 for not making sure Insituform had a rescue plan and for not informing the company of city rescue procedures before crews worked underground.

Daniel Grasshoff, 25, of St. Charles, MO, and Brian Burford, 19, of Lemay, MO, drowned in a sewer trench in July 2002 after they were overcome by sewer gas.

A ladder into the trench wasn’t long enough to reach the bottom of the trench, making rescue attempts more difficult, and respirators, gas detectors and fresh-air blowers at the scene went largely unused, inspectors and company employees testified during a hearing last summer.

Thomas Cook, a lawyer for Insituform, said the company would likely appeal Rossi’s ruling.

The state also may appeal the judge’s decision to lower the fine against the company.

Today's top stories

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project

Volvo CE Continues to Perform, Transform During Slower Q1 2024

American Bridge Co. Leads Conn.'s East Haddam Swing Bridge Project

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Common Ground Alliance Hosts Conference & Expo in Colorado On Preventing Utility Damages

Going Beyond Diversity: Star Equipment's Rental Advantage

Volvo CE Launches Updated L30, L35 Compact Wheel Loaders