Aerolite Corporation, Clean Water Act Violations, NV 1991

Reno, NV – Aerolite Corporation, a Reno-based electroplating and metal finishing company, was found guilty on eleven counts of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA) in December 1990, following a federal grand jury indictment in February of the same year. The case, prosecuted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of negligent and knowing discharges of highly toxic pollutants into the Reno-Sparks publicly owned treatment works (POTW).

According to court documents, Aerolite’s industrial processes – which included electroplating and refinishing of items such as handguns and auto parts – generated substantial wastewater laden with dangerous substances. These pollutants included cyanide, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc – all commonly associated with electroplating operations. The EPA alleged that Aerolite consistently failed to properly maintain its pretreatment equipment, designed to remove these toxins *before* discharge, resulting in the direct contamination of the POTW.

The eleven-count indictment detailed how Aerolite knowingly and negligently bypassed its pretreatment systems, discharging untreated electroplating wastewater directly into the city’s drainage system. This system ultimately fed into the Reno-Sparks POTW, potentially overloading the facility and jeopardizing its ability to effectively treat wastewater for the broader community. Investigators focused on a clear disregard for established permit requirements and pretreatment standards mandated by the Clean Water Act.

The trial, which concluded in December 1990, saw a jury deliver a guilty verdict on all eleven counts. The prosecution successfully demonstrated that Aerolite’s actions weren’t isolated incidents but a systemic failure to comply with environmental regulations. Sources close to the investigation indicated that internal company memos highlighted awareness of the faulty equipment and the potential for illegal discharges, suggesting a deliberate attempt to cut corners at the expense of environmental safety.

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Legal Ramifications

Aerolite Corporation was convicted of violating 33 U.S.C. 1317(d) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) of the Clean Water Act. These statutes specifically address the prohibition of knowingly and negligently discharging pollutants in violation of permit conditions and pretreatment standards. While specific details of the penalties imposed were not immediately available, violations of these sections of the CWA can carry significant fines, potential imprisonment for responsible parties, and requirements for costly remediation efforts.

Key Facts

Defendant: Aerolite Corporation
Location: Reno, Nevada
Industry: Electroplating and Metal Finishing
Pollutants Discharged: Cyanide, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, and other heavy metals.
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1317(d), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A)
Indictment Date: February 6, 1990
Conviction Date: December 11, 1990
Discharge Point: Reno-Sparks Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW)

The Aerolite case serves as a stark reminder of the potential environmental consequences of industrial negligence and the EPA’s commitment to enforcing the Clean Water Act. GrimyTimes will continue to follow any further developments regarding penalties and potential remediation efforts related to this case.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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