Arlyn E. Hanson, Clean Water Act Violation, MN 2006

Maple Grove, MN – A metal finishing company and several individuals faced federal charges in 2006 following a lengthy investigation into illegal wastewater discharge, culminating in convictions and sentencing for multiple defendants. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of knowingly circumventing environmental regulations, potentially endangering public health and the environment.

Prime Plating, a metal finishing operation located in Maple Grove, Minnesota, was at the center of the allegations. Authorities claimed the company routinely discharged untreated, metal-bearing wastewater directly into the city’s sanitary sewer system. This practice violated the terms of Prime Plating’s Industrial Discharge Permit and posed a significant risk to the publicly owned treatment works, as well as potentially causing harm to individuals and property.

The initial charges, filed in May 2004, targeted Prime Plating, along with company executives Arlyn and Scott Hanson, and employee Opare-Addo. They were accused of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(B) – knowingly introducing pollutants into a sewer system with the potential to cause harm. Further charges included conspiracy, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 371, and making false statements, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001. An additional charge of conspiracy to violate the CWA was later filed against Meissner in September 2004.

Following a trial in December 2004, Arlyn Hanson was convicted on eight counts of knowingly violating the CWA. Prime Plating itself was found guilty on twelve counts of the same offense. Opare-Addo and Scott Hanson also faced convictions, with eight and eleven counts respectively. The prosecution successfully argued that the defendants were aware of the illegal discharges and actively concealed their actions from regulatory authorities.

Sentencing took place in April 2006. Arlyn Hanson received 36 months of probation, with 10 months to be served under home detention, and was ordered to pay a $255 special assessment fee plus a $4,000 federal fine. Meissner received a 12-month and one-day prison sentence, followed by 12 months of probation and a $255 fee. Prime Plating was sentenced to 12 months of probation. Opare-Addo received a 26-month prison sentence and 12 months of probation, along with a $255 fee, while Scott Hanson faced a 30-month incarceration term followed by 12 months of probation and a $255 fee. The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding polluters accountable for their actions.

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Key Facts

Defendant(s): Arlyn E. Hanson, Prime Plating, Opare-Addo, Scott Hanson, Meissner
Location: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Year: 2006
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371, 33 U.S.C. 1311(a), 18 U.S.C. 1001, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(B)
Crime: Illegal discharge of metal-bearing wastewater into a sanitary sewer system, conspiracy, and false statements.
Penalties: Sentences ranged from probation and fines to over two years of incarceration, demonstrating the severity of the offenses.

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Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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