Silt, Colorado – A Colorado man has been sentenced to probation and ordered to pay over $7,000 in restitution after illegally dumping septic waste into a manhole in Silt, authorities announced. Andrew Timothy Owens, operator of Owens Septic, was caught in the act on April 13, 2010, discharging the contents of his truck directly into a municipal sewer access point within an undeveloped subdivision.
According to reports, Public Works personnel from the Town of Silt intercepted Owens as he attempted to leave the scene following the illicit discharge. The incident immediately raised environmental concerns, prompting a swift investigation and subsequent criminal charges. The location of the dumping – an unoccupied subdivision – amplified concerns about potential contamination of groundwater and the local ecosystem.
Investigation and Charges
On July 22, 2010, Owens was formally charged with three counts under Colorado Revised Statutes. These included Causing and Contributing to a Hazardous Substance Incident (C.R.S. 29-22-108(F5)), a felony offense; Violation of the Water Quality Act (C.R.S. 25-8-609(c) (UC)), an unclassified misdemeanor; and Attempting to Influence a Public Servant (C.R.S. 18-8-306), also a felony. The attempted influence charge stemmed from the circumstances surrounding the interception and Owens’ actions at the scene.
Plea and Sentencing
After months of legal proceedings, Owens entered a guilty plea on May 12, 2011, to two of the three charges: Causing and Contributing to a Hazardous Substance Incident and Violation of the Water Quality Act. The Attempting to Influence a Public Servant charge was dismissed by the court. During sentencing, Judge [Judge’s name not provided in source data] imposed a 48-month probation period, a $100 state fine, and significant financial restitution.
Financial Repercussions
Owens was ordered to pay $2,052.23 to the Town of Silt, Colorado, to cover costs associated with the cleanup and investigation of the illegal dumping. Furthermore, he was directed to pay $5,947.77 to the Western States Project, an organization dedicated to environmental protection and restoration efforts. The total restitution amount of $8,000 underscores the financial impact of environmental crimes on both municipalities and conservation groups.
Environmental Enforcement
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of state and local authorities to enforce environmental regulations and hold individuals accountable for polluting activities. Illegal dumping of septic waste poses a serious threat to public health and the environment, potentially contaminating water supplies and damaging ecosystems. The EPA, working with state agencies, continues to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of such offenses.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Andrew Timothy Owens
- Location: Silt, Colorado
- Date of Incident: April 13, 2010
- Charges: C.R.S. 29-22-108(F5) – Causing and Contributing to a Hazardous Substance Incident (Felony); C.R.S. 25-8-609(c) (UC) – Violation of the Water Quality Act (Unclassified Misdemeanor); C.R.S. 18-8-306 – Attempting to Influence a Public Servant (Felony – Dismissed)
- Sentence: 48 months probation, $100 fine
- Restitution: $2,052.23 to Town of Silt, $5,947.77 to Western States Project
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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