Deadhorse, AK – Bruce Benjamin Levy, former President of TDX Power Inc., a subsidiary of the Tanadgusix Corporation, was convicted of environmental crimes in 2012 after knowingly constructing a gas turbine at the company’s Deadhorse, Alaska facility without securing the necessary air permits. The case, a joint investigation between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation – Environmental Crimes Unit, highlights a deliberate circumvention of state and federal regulations designed to protect Alaska’s sensitive environment.
According to court documents, Levy, while leading TDX Power, authorized the construction of the stationary gas turbine – considered a significant source of air pollution – without first obtaining the required permits from the appropriate regulatory bodies. This failure to comply with established procedures raised immediate red flags, prompting the investigation that ultimately led to criminal charges. The Tanadgusix Corporation, as the Alaska Native village corporation for St. Paul Island, holds a unique position and is expected to adhere to the highest standards of environmental stewardship.
The charges were formally filed on November 15, 2011. Levy faced one count of failing to obtain permits, specifically violating Alaska Statutes 46.14.120, 46.14.130, and 46.03.790. Additionally, he was accused of unsworn falsification, a violation of Alaska Statute 11.56.210, suggesting an attempt to mislead investigators regarding the permitting process. The EPA and state authorities allege that Levy was fully aware of the permitting requirements but deliberately chose to bypass them, potentially jeopardizing air quality in the ecologically sensitive North Slope region.
The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal enforcement actions against individuals who intentionally violate environmental laws. The remote location of Deadhorse, a key hub for oil and gas operations, makes diligent environmental oversight particularly crucial. Sources within the EPA suggest that the investigation involved meticulous documentation reviews and interviews with current and former TDX Power employees, corroborating the claim that Levy knowingly disregarded the permitting process.
On April 4, 2012, Levy entered a guilty plea to both charges. As a result of his conviction, he was sentenced to a 12-month probationary period and ordered to pay a $4,000 fine to the State of Alaska. While the penalties may seem relatively minor, the EPA emphasizes that the conviction serves as a deterrent to others who might consider similar violations. The agency asserts that holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes is essential to protecting public health and the environment.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Bruce Benjamin Levy
- Company: TDX Power Inc. (a subsidiary of Tanadgusix Corporation)
- Location: Deadhorse, Alaska
- Violated Statutes: AS 46.14.120, 46.14.130, 46.03.790 (Failure to obtain permits), AS 11.56.210 (Unsworn Falsification)
- Penalty: 12 months probation, $4,000 fine
- Investigating Agencies: EPA and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation – Environmental Crimes Unit
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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