MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A former employee of Anodize, Inc., a Buffalo, Minnesota machine shop, has been sentenced for falsifying environmental reports submitted to state regulators. Brent Roland Feickert, 46, of Hanover, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and was sentenced in October 2013, bringing a conclusion to a case highlighting the importance of accurate self-reporting in environmental compliance.
The case, investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, centers around Anodize’s wastewater discharge. As part of its operations, which include metal plating, the company is permitted to discharge industrial wastewater into the sanitary sewer system. This discharge is subject to strict limitations on the concentration of toxic pollutants, specifically nickel and zinc, as outlined in its permit issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Regular quarterly reports detailing the wastewater composition are required to ensure compliance.
Feickert was tasked with receiving the results of wastewater testing and inputting the data into the quarterly reports submitted to the MPCA. However, between 2009 and 2011, Feickert intentionally submitted falsified reports on five separate occasions. According to court documents, Feickert knowingly misrepresented the levels of nickel and zinc, falsely claiming they were within permissible limits despite testing indicating otherwise. This deliberate deception concealed the fact that Anodize was exceeding its permitted discharge levels, potentially exposing the environment and public health to harmful pollutants.
The MPCA relies heavily on the accuracy of these self-reported figures to monitor environmental impact and enforce regulations. “Self-reporting is a cornerstone of the environmental regulatory process,” stated Deputy Commissioner Michelle Beeman following Feickert’s guilty plea. “Water protection depends on truthful self-reporting and the MPCA considers any action that jeopardizes the integrity of the regulatory process to be a serious violation and a potential threat to the environment.” Randall Ashe, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Minnesota, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that accurate information is crucial for protecting public health and preventing waterways from becoming illegal dumping grounds.
The investigation revealed a pattern of deliberate misreporting, suggesting a conscious effort to avoid scrutiny and potential penalties for non-compliance. While Anodize, Inc. was not directly charged in this case, the incident raises questions about the company’s internal oversight and whether it was aware of Feickert’s actions. The EPA and MPCA continue to emphasize that companies are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all data submitted to regulatory agencies.
Feickert was sentenced on October 9, 2013, to twelve months of probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. The relatively light sentence has drawn some criticism from environmental advocacy groups, who argue that stronger penalties are needed to deter similar offenses and underscore the severity of environmental crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder that falsifying environmental reports is a federal crime with significant consequences.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Brent Roland Feickert
- Location: Buffalo, Minnesota
- Crime: Making false statements to the EPA regarding industrial wastewater discharge.
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001 – False Statements
- Timeline: False reporting occurred between 2009-2011. Charged May 13, 2013. Plead Guilty June 13, 2013. Sentenced October 9, 2013.
- Penalties: 12 months probation and $1,000 fine.
- Victim: The Environment and Public Health of Minnesota
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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