Danny Lee Hill, Clean Water Act Violation, NC 2003

Raleigh, NC – Danny Lee Hill, a licensed wastewater and water treatment facility operator, was sentenced in April 2003 following a guilty plea to a Clean Water Act violation. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, revealed a pattern of falsified reporting across multiple facilities in North Carolina, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety.

Hill held the position of “operator in responsible charge” (ORC) for a staggering 13 wastewater treatment plants and 14 water treatment facilities spread throughout several North Carolina counties. As ORC, Hill was legally responsible for ensuring these facilities operated in compliance with environmental regulations and accurately reported their performance to state and federal authorities. However, a review of routine monitoring reports submitted by Hill uncovered a disturbing number of discrepancies – at least 72 instances of falsified data.

The investigation began after authorities noticed anomalies in the self-reported data. These discrepancies suggested that Hill was not accurately monitoring the water quality being discharged from the wastewater plants, potentially allowing untreated or improperly treated sewage to enter waterways. Similarly, issues with the water treatment facilities raised questions about the safety of the drinking water supplied to local communities. The extent of the falsification indicated a deliberate effort to conceal violations and avoid regulatory scrutiny.

On June 25, 2002, Hill was formally charged with one count of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), which addresses the knowing violation of permit conditions and reporting requirements. The charge stemmed from his intentional misrepresentation of data related to the operation of the facilities under his charge. Federal prosecutors argued that Hill’s actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for both the law and the wellbeing of the public.

After initially pleading not guilty, Hill ultimately entered a guilty plea on April 3, 2003. The same day, he was sentenced to four months of incarceration, followed by a twelve-month period of probation. In addition to the jail time and probation, Hill was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee. Notably, the court did *not* impose a financial fine beyond the assessment.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Danny Lee Hill
Location: North Carolina
Year: 2003
Crime: Clean Water Act Violation (33 U.S.C. 1311(a) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A))
Facilities Involved: 13 wastewater treatment plants & 14 water treatment plants
Discrepancies Found: At least 72 falsified monitoring reports
Sentence: 4 months incarceration, 12 months probation, $100 special assessment.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical role operators play in safeguarding our nation’s water resources. While the sentence handed down to Hill was relatively light, the EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of the Clean Water Act to deter future violations and protect public health and the environment. The agency emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting and responsible operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases