MIDDLETOWN, OH – Bruce J. Bardonaro, owner of Cincinnati Environmental Tech, a wastewater treatment facility in Middletown, Ohio, has been sentenced for illegally discharging petroleum products into the city’s sewer system. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights ongoing concerns regarding industrial compliance with environmental regulations and the potential for damage to municipal wastewater treatment plants.
According to court documents, Bardonaro knowingly violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) while operating Cincinnati Environmental Tech. The facility was responsible for treating oily wastewater, but instead of adhering to proper disposal protocols, Bardonaro authorized the discharge of untreated petroleum products directly into the Middletown sewer system. This unauthorized discharge placed a significant strain on the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), potentially compromising its ability to effectively process sewage and treat water for safe release back into the environment.
The EPA initiated an investigation following reports of unusual levels of pollutants entering the WWTP. Evidence collected indicated a consistent pattern of violations originating from Cincinnati Environmental Tech. Investigators determined that Bardonaro was aware of the improper discharges yet failed to take corrective action, prioritizing cost savings over environmental responsibility. The illicit discharges bypassed critical treatment processes designed to remove harmful substances from the wastewater stream.
Bardonaro was initially charged on October 8, 2002, with one count of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A). He subsequently entered a guilty plea, acknowledging his culpability in the illegal discharges. The prosecution argued that Bardonaro’s actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for both environmental regulations and the infrastructure of the Middletown community.
Sentencing and Penalties
On January 24, 2003, Bardonaro received a sentence of 36 months probation. In addition to the probationary period, he was ordered to pay a special assessment fee of $100. More significantly, Bardonaro was mandated to provide restitution in the amount of $9,118 to the Middletown WWTP to cover the costs associated with mitigating the damage caused by the illegal discharges. These costs included increased operational expenses, potential repairs to equipment, and monitoring to assess the long-term impact on water quality.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Bruce J. Bardonaro
- Company: Cincinnati Environmental Tech
- Location: Middletown, Ohio
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) & 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
- Crime: Illegal discharge of petroleum products into a municipal sewer system.
- Penalty: 36 months probation, $100 special assessment, $9,118 restitution.
This case serves as a reminder that environmental crimes carry significant consequences, and that individuals and companies are legally obligated to adhere to regulations designed to protect public health and the environment. The EPA continues to actively investigate and prosecute violations of the Clean Water Act, ensuring accountability for those who put our waterways at risk.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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