Anchorage, AK – Bryan Beigh, a former powerhouse operator at Westward Seafoods, Inc., has been sentenced to three years of probation and a $750 fine for his role in a scheme to falsify emissions data at the company’s Dutch Harbor facility. The sentencing, handed down by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline, concludes a case brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealing a deliberate effort to circumvent Clean Air Act regulations.
Westward Seafoods, a subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Maruha-Nichiro Holdings, operates a large seafood processing plant in Dutch Harbor, processing roughly 250 million pounds of seafood annually. The facility relies on diesel-fueled generators for power, and is required to adhere to strict emissions standards outlined in its Title V permit issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) and overseen by the EPA. These standards necessitate the use of Combustion Air Saturation Systems (CASS) to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions.
Prosecutors detailed how, beginning in 2009 and continuing through August 2011, Westward staff—including powerhouse supervisor Raul Morales and assistant chief engineer James Hampton—systematically disabled the CASS pollution control equipment. Beigh, as a powerhouse operator, actively participated in the cover-up. Rather than properly operating the CASS, Beigh manipulated daily “Engine Round” forms, falsifying water meter readings to indicate the system was functioning when it was not. He allegedly developed a method of manually spinning the water flow meters using a drill and magnet to create the illusion of water usage, effectively concealing the non-compliance.
This isn’t the first time Westward Seafoods has faced scrutiny for environmental violations. In 2010, the company entered into a civil consent decree with the United States, agreeing to pay a penalty following prior allegations of exceeding emissions limits. Despite this agreement, the fraudulent activity continued under Beigh’s involvement, demonstrating a pattern of disregard for environmental regulations. While the EPA reported no immediate harm to human health resulting from the emissions, NOx is a known respiratory irritant and can exacerbate conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
The investigation, conducted by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, uncovered a clear intent to prioritize operational ease over regulatory compliance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Feldis and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla Perrin successfully argued that Beigh acted with full awareness of the illegality of his actions, motivated by a desire to simplify his job. Judge Beistline acknowledged Beigh’s remorse and cooperation during sentencing, but emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating that it was not up to Beigh to decide which laws to follow.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Bryan Beigh
- Crime: Tampering with pollution control monitoring equipment, violating the Clean Air Act.
- Location: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
- Year: 2015 (actions occurred 2009-2011)
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(C), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(A), 42 U.S.C. 7661a(a)
- Penalty: Three years of probation and a $750 fine.
- Co-Defendants: James Hampton (70 days imprisonment, $1,000 fine, 1 year supervision), Raul Morales (45 days imprisonment, $1,000 fine, 1 year supervision)
The sentencing of Beigh, Hampton, and Morales sends a message that intentional violations of environmental regulations will not be tolerated. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of the Clean Air Act to protect public health and the environment, and this case highlights the agency’s commitment to pursuing criminal charges against those who attempt to circumvent these vital protections.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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