Daniel Evanoff, Falsified Baghouse Leak Detection, Wisconsin 2013

Sheboygan, WI – A former executive at J.L. French, a secondary aluminum processing business, has been sentenced for systematically falsifying air pollution monitoring data at two of the company’s facilities – one in Wisconsin and another in Kentucky. Daniel Evanoff, a Vice President overseeing the Alloy Division, pled guilty to federal charges in both states related to violations of the Clean Air Act and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The scheme, uncovered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), involved manipulating records and tampering with monitoring equipment at the J.L. French Gateway facility in Wisconsin and the Glasgow, Kentucky plant. J.L. French melts aluminum scrap, a process that generates hazardous air pollutants including dioxins, benzene, hydrogen chloride, and various heavy metals. Federal regulations require the company to utilize air pollution control equipment, like afterburners and baghouses, and diligently monitor their performance to ensure compliance.

According to court documents, Evanoff directed employees to create false charts depicting accurate operation of the baghouse leak detection and temperature monitoring systems at the Gateway facility. He also orchestrated the installation of a temperature resistor on air pollution control equipment in Kentucky, artificially inflating readings to falsely indicate proper function. Critically, Evanoff then instructed that the resistor be *removed* before inspections by the Kentucky Department of Air Quality, demonstrating a deliberate attempt to conceal the violations.

The motivation behind the fraud appears to be avoiding regulatory scrutiny and maintaining production levels exceeding permitted limits. By masking the true extent of their emissions, J.L. French allegedly evaded potential fines and operational restrictions. The EPA’s investigation revealed a concerted effort to deceive both federal and state environmental agencies.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Daniel Evanoff
Company: J.L. French / Allotech International LLC
States: Wisconsin & Kentucky
Violated Laws: Clean Air Act (CAA), Title 18 U.S. Code §371, 42 U.S.C. §7413(c)(2)
Fraudulent Activity: Falsified baghouse leak detection charts, manipulated temperature readings on pollution control equipment.
Penalties: $5,000 fine in Wisconsin, one day in jail, one year supervised release. $5,000 fine in Kentucky, 12 months probation.

Evanoff’s sentencing reflects a growing trend of EPA criminal enforcement targeting environmental fraud. While the penalties in this case—a relatively light jail sentence—may seem lenient, they are coupled with significant financial penalties and a criminal record. The EPA continues to emphasize that those who intentionally circumvent environmental regulations will be held accountable. This case serves as a warning to other industries that attempts to deceive environmental regulators will be met with investigation and prosecution.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. The long-term environmental impact of the fraudulent emissions remains under assessment.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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