Marcus Hook, PA – Chemical Equipment Labs, Inc. (CEL) was sentenced to probation and hefty fines earlier this year following a 2007 incident that resulted in a chemical spill into Marcus Hook Creek and significant damage to the Delaware County Regional Authority (DELCORA) wastewater treatment plant. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, revealed a pattern of negligent wastewater disposal by the chemical distributor.
According to court documents, CEL, which deals in industrial chemicals including wastewater treatment compounds, routinely cleaned 400- to 500-gallon tanks used to transport liquids. This cleaning process generated contaminated wastewater. On April 25, 2007, an employee rinsed a tank previously used for sodium hypochlorite – commonly known as chlorine – and improperly discharged the resulting waste. The wastewater was directed into a manhole in the company’s parking lot, ultimately flowing into Marcus Hook Creek.
The incident triggered an immediate response from the Marcus Hook fire and police departments, who subsequently alerted federal authorities. The EPA and Coast Guard investigation quickly expanded beyond the initial spill, uncovering a more systemic issue. Investigators discovered CEL employees were *also* using the facility’s toilets to illegally discharge chemical-contaminated wastewater directly into the sanitary sewer system. This practice caused corrosion and physical damage to DELCORA’s infrastructure, including concrete piping.
Legal Ramifications
On January 18, 2011, CEL was formally charged with one count of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1), which addresses negligent violations of the Act. The company entered a guilty plea on February 1, 2011. The sentencing, handed down on February 18, 2011, included a probationary period of 48 months, a $75,000 federal fine, and an order to pay $2,000 in restitution to DELCORA to cover the costs of repairing the damaged sewer system.
Industry Concerns
This case highlights the critical need for responsible waste management practices within the chemical industry. The improper disposal of even seemingly small amounts of hazardous materials can have significant environmental and financial consequences. DELCORA faced costly repairs due to CEL’s negligence, and the incident posed a potential threat to the Marcus Hook Creek ecosystem. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against companies that endanger public health and the environment through violations of the Clean Water Act.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Chemical Equipment Labs, Inc.
- Location: Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania
- Date of Incident: April 25-26, 2007
- Crime: Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1))
- Penalty: 48 months probation, $75,000 fine, $2,000 restitution
- Method of Disposal: Discharge of contaminated wastewater into a manhole leading to Marcus Hook Creek and illegal discharge into sanitary sewer.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. We encourage anyone with information regarding environmental crimes to contact the EPA’s National Enforcement Hotline.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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