City of Bethlehem, Water Pollution, PA 1997

Bethlehem, PA – The City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been embroiled in a significant Clean Water Act (CWA) violation case stemming from systemic failures at its wastewater treatment plant in 1997. Federal prosecutors uncovered a pattern of negligence and intentional misreporting that led to the discharge of higher-than-permitted pollutant levels into the Lehigh River, endangering public health and the environment.

The investigation, initiated after an audit revealed critical laboratory shortcomings, focused on the handling of wastewater samples. City personnel were found to have held samples beyond the permissible timeframe before conducting essential tests for fecal coliform bacteria and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). This delay compromised the accuracy of the results and masked the true extent of pollution emanating from the plant. Crucially, these violations were not reported to either the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), constituting a deliberate attempt to conceal non-compliance.

John Lawrence, the plant’s chief chemist, played a central role in the cover-up. Despite being alerted to the lab’s problems by an external consultant, Lawrence knowingly falsified Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs), falsely claiming that daily testing had been conducted when it hadn’t. This act of deception was intended to mislead regulators and maintain the appearance of compliance. William Grim, the plant superintendent, was indicted on charges of negligent supervision, highlighting a systemic breakdown in oversight at the facility.

The case unfolded with a series of guilty pleas. In April 1997, the City of Bethlehem admitted guilt to two counts of violating 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), relating to knowingly violating the CWA, and one count of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4), pertaining to submitting false statements. Lawrence followed suit in April, pleading guilty to three misdemeanor counts of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A). Grim also entered a guilty plea in June to three counts of violating 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A), which covers negligent violations of the CWA.

The sentencing reflected the severity of the offenses. The City of Bethlehem was sentenced to 36 months of probation and a hefty $250,000 fine. In addition to the financial penalties, the city was ordered to invest $250,000 in a new sewer line. The court also mandated a comprehensive environmental audit of the sewage treatment plant, the development of a robust regulatory compliance program, and strict adherence to the terms of its CWA water discharge permit going forward. Lawrence received 36 months of probation, 120 hours of community service, and a $2,000 fine. Grim faced 12 months probation, 20 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of accurate environmental monitoring and reporting. The actions of the City of Bethlehem, Lawrence, and Grim not only violated federal law but also jeopardized the health of the Lehigh River and the communities that depend on it. The penalties imposed underscore the EPA’s commitment to holding municipalities and individuals accountable for environmental crimes.

Key Facts

• Defendant: City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
• Crime: Clean Water Act Violations (Water Pollution, False Reporting)
• State: Pennsylvania
• Year: 1997
• Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4)
• Penalties: City – $250,000 fine, 36 months probation, $250,000 sewer line investment. Lawrence – $2,000 fine, 36 months probation, 120 hours community service. Grim – $5,000 fine, 12 months probation, 20 hours community service.
• Key Issue: Failure to adhere to wastewater sampling protocols and falsification of discharge reports.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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