Cardington, OH – A decade-long scheme to falsify wastewater discharge reports culminated in significant penalties for Cardington Yutaka Technologies (CYT) and three of its managers, including Carl Wolf, following a joint investigation by federal and state environmental authorities. The case, originating from activity between 1999 and 2008, revealed a pattern of deception regarding the nature and volume of industrial waste released into the Village of Cardington’s Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW).
The investigation, spearheaded by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency-Office of Special Investigations, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, uncovered that CYT and its leadership knowingly misrepresented the contents of their wastewater, specifically failing to accurately report the discharge of leak test fluid and parts washer water. This deliberate misreporting allowed CYT to avoid proper treatment costs and potentially overburden the village’s POTW, jeopardizing its operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
Initially charged in June 2011 with violations of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code and the Clean Water Act, the case evolved through a series of plea agreements. Wolf, along with co-defendants Carroll and Razavi, initially faced charges of *knowingly* violating the Clean Water Act [33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)]. However, the charges against Wolf, Carroll, and Razavi were later reduced to *negligent* violation of the same statute [33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)] as part of the plea bargains.
The sentencing, handed down in late 2012 and early 2013, reflected the severity of the offenses. CYT was sentenced to 24 months probation and ordered to pay a staggering $1.2 million in federal fines. Furthermore, the company was mandated to provide $115,000 in restitution to the Village of Cardington and contribute $400,000 towards the repair, maintenance, and improvement of the POTW. The probation included strict conditions, such as the construction of a dedicated wastewater sampling structure accessible only to village and EPA personnel, and ongoing environmental audits. Additionally, CYT was required to hire an environmental manager.
Individual penalties were also levied. Carroll received 24 months probation, including 90 days of home confinement and 500 hours of community service, along with a $5,000 fine. Razavi faced a more severe sentence of 3 months incarceration, 12 months supervised release, 208 hours of community service, and a $25,000 fine. Wolf received 12 months probation, with 30 days of home confinement, and a $500 fine. CYT was also assessed a $1,600 special assessment fee.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Carl Wolf, Cardington Yutaka Technologies, Carroll, and Razavi
- Location: Cardington, Ohio
- Years of Activity: 1999-2008
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) (Clean Water Act violation)
- Penalties: Fines totaling over $1.3 million, restitution, community service, probation, and incarceration. CYT was ordered to improve the POTW and conduct ongoing monitoring.
- Investigation Agencies: EPA Criminal Investigation Division, Ohio EPA-Office of Special Investigations, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation
This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental regulations are not merely suggestions, but legally binding mandates. The penalties levied against CYT and its managers demonstrate the commitment of federal and state authorities to hold polluters accountable and protect vital public resources like clean water.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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