Olympia, WA – Brian Jones, an employee of Biopol, a subsidiary of a multinational allergy drug manufacturer, was sentenced in October 2004 following a guilty plea to charges of violating Washington state environmental regulations. The case, brought to light through an indictment in April 2004, centers around the illegal discharge of hazardous waste into a publicly owned treatment works (POTW).
Biopol, which cultivates mold for use in allergy medication production, repeatedly discharged acetone – a volatile organic compound – into the local sewer system. Crucially, the company falsely represented to the POTW that no chemicals were being released into the wastewater stream. This deliberate misrepresentation formed a key component of the prosecution’s case, demonstrating not only an environmental violation but also an attempt to deceive regulatory authorities.
According to court documents, the repeated discharges exceeded allowable limits established by the POTW, potentially disrupting the biological processes used to treat wastewater and posing a risk to the environment. The exact quantity of acetone discharged was not immediately available, but officials confirmed the violations were consistent and ongoing. The investigation likely stemmed from routine monitoring of the POTW’s influent, revealing the presence of acetone despite Biopol’s assurances to the contrary.
Jones, as an employee of Biopol, was held accountable for the company’s actions. While the extent of his direct involvement in the illegal discharges remains unclear, his conviction suggests he was complicit in the environmental wrongdoing and/or the subsequent cover-up. Legal experts suggest the prosecution likely argued Jones had the responsibility to ensure the company complied with environmental regulations, or that he knowingly participated in the scheme to conceal the discharges.
Penalties and Aftermath
On October 7, 2004, Jones received a 12-month incarceration sentence, followed by 12 months of probation. In addition to imprisonment, he was ordered to pay a $120 special assessment fee, complete 30 hours of community service, and remit a $10,000 fine to the state of Washington. The penalties reflect the seriousness with which Washington state treats environmental crimes and the intent to deter future violations.
The case highlights the importance of corporate accountability and the potential consequences for individuals within companies who knowingly violate environmental laws. While Biopol itself doesn’t appear to have been individually prosecuted in this instance, the conviction of Jones serves as a warning that employees can be held personally liable for environmental offenses committed by their employers. Further investigation into Biopol’s practices may have been conducted by the EPA or state environmental agencies following Jones’ conviction.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Brian Jones
- Company: Biopol (subsidiary of allergy drug firm)
- State: Washington
- Year: 2005
- Crime: Illegal discharge of acetone into a POTW and false reporting.
- Statutes Violated: Washington State environmental regulations (specific citation unavailable).
- Penalties: 12 months incarceration, 12 months probation, $120 special assessment, 30 hours community service, $10,000 state fine.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this story and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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