A-1 Restaurant Services, L.L.C., Clean Water Act Violation, AZ 2016

PHOENIX, AZ – A-1 Restaurant Services, L.L.C., a commercial grease removal company servicing multiple cities across Arizona, has been sentenced following a guilty plea to violating the Clean Water Act. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of improper waste disposal practices leading to the illegal discharge of grease and wastewater into publicly owned treatment works (POTWs).

According to court documents, A-1 provided grease trap and interceptor cleaning services to restaurants in Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Mesa, Prescott, Show Low, and Surprise. These traps are crucial for preventing fats, oils, and grease from clogging sewer systems and disrupting wastewater treatment processes. A-1’s responsibility included the proper removal and disposal of collected grease and wastewater at approved facilities.

However, the EPA investigation uncovered that A-1 employees were illegally discharging waste directly into other restaurant interceptors connected to local POTWs, bypassing the required approvals and oversight. This practice circumvented regulations designed to protect the integrity of wastewater treatment systems and prevent harmful pollutants from entering waterways. The company failed to adequately monitor its employees or audit waste disposal records, creating an environment where these violations could occur.

Investigators determined that the negligent oversight by A-1 directly resulted in the unauthorized discharge of trucked or hauled pollutants – specifically grease and wastewater – into the POTWs. This not only violated environmental regulations but also potentially placed a strain on the treatment facilities, increasing operational costs and potentially reducing their effectiveness.

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Legal Ramifications

A-1 Restaurant Services, L.L.C. was formally charged on November 19, 2015, with violating 33 U.S.C. §1317(d) of the Clean Water Act. The company pleaded guilty to the charge and, following sentencing, was placed on 36 months of probation. Furthermore, A-1 was ordered to pay a substantial fine of $200,000. The penalty reflects the severity of the environmental harm and the company’s failure to uphold its responsibilities under federal law.

Key Facts

Defendant: A-1 Restaurant Services, L.L.C.
Location: Arizona (Cities of Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Mesa, Prescott, Show Low, and Surprise)
Crime: Illegal discharge of grease and wastewater into POTWs
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. §1317(d) – Clean Water Act
Penalty: 36 months probation and $200,000 fine
Investigation Agency: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Issue: Failure to properly monitor employee waste disposal practices

This case serves as a stark reminder to businesses involved in waste management that strict adherence to environmental regulations is paramount. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against companies that prioritize profit over environmental protection, ensuring accountability for those who endanger public health and the environment.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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