Golden, Colorado – Art’s Sanitation Service, Inc. and its owner, Bradley Alan Beierle, faced justice in Jefferson County District Court on January 17, 2017, after a multi-year investigation revealed a pattern of illegal septic waste disposal and attempted obstruction of justice. The case, originating from a complaint received by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) in January 2012, centered around allegations that Art’s Sanitation was unlawfully discharging waste onto its own property in Platteville, Colorado.
Art’s Sanitation Service operated as a septic tank and grease trap cleaning business, servicing lift stations and holding tanks throughout the region. The EPA-CID complaint alleged that rather than properly disposing of the collected waste, the company was illegally dumping it on the land where its business was located – a practice that poses significant environmental and public health risks. The investigation uncovered evidence supporting these claims, leading to felony and misdemeanor charges against both the company and Beierle.
Timeline of Events & Legal Ramifications
The investigation, spanning five years, culminated in guilty pleas from both Art’s Sanitation and Beierle. Art’s Sanitation Service pled guilty to the felony charge of Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, admitting to efforts to interfere with the investigation. The company was sentenced to pay a $3,000 fine. Beierle himself entered guilty pleas to both Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (a felony) and Unlawful Disposal of Solid Waste (a misdemeanor).
The sentencing for Beierle involved a two-year deferred judgment and sentence for the felony charge. This means that if Beierle successfully completes the terms of his deferment, the felony conviction may be removed from his record. He also received a one-year term of probation for the misdemeanor charge of unlawful waste disposal. These sentences were ordered to be served concurrently. The attempt to influence a public servant charge suggests a deliberate effort to cover up the illegal dumping, escalating the severity of the offense.
Environmental & Legal Concerns
The unlawful disposal of septic waste can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing a threat to drinking water sources and local ecosystems. Proper handling and disposal of this type of waste are critical for protecting public health and the environment. The case highlights the importance of stringent regulations and vigilant enforcement to ensure compliance within the waste management industry.
While the penalties in this case may appear relatively modest, legal experts suggest that the felony conviction for attempting to obstruct the investigation carries significant weight. It demonstrates a disregard for the legal process and a willingness to actively conceal wrongdoing. This case serves as a warning to other businesses operating in the waste management sector: environmental crimes will be investigated and prosecuted.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Art’s Sanitation Service, Inc. & Bradley Alan Beierle
- Location: Platteville, Colorado; Jefferson County District Court, Golden, Colorado
- Year of Sentencing: 2017
- Statutes Violated: STATE (F)(424051) – Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (Felony); STATE (M)(41025) – Unlawful Disposal of Solid Waste (Misdemeanor)
- Penalties: Art’s Sanitation – $3,000 fine. Bradley Beierle – 2-year deferred judgment (felony), 1-year probation (misdemeanor)
- Origin of Complaint: January 2012, received by EPA-CID.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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