Versailles, KY – David Christopher Giles, a licensed septic tank installer, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison in October 2016 for illegally dumping raw sewage into Wildcat Creek in Anderson County, Kentucky. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted in the Eastern District of Kentucky, highlights a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and public health.
According to court documents, Giles operated as an installer without owning a septic pumping truck or the required license to pump out septic tanks. He circumvented this by partnering informally with licensed companies, most notably KPL Septic Service, Inc., and utilizing one of their pumper trucks. On December 3, 2012, Giles was contracted by Boyd’s Orchard to pump out six septic tanks at their facility.
Instead of properly disposing of the waste, Giles illegally discharged approximately 1000 gallons of raw sewage over a steep embankment directly into Wildcat Creek. This act of illegal dumping contaminated the waterway, posing a potential threat to aquatic life and downstream water users. The EPA’s investigation revealed a pattern of negligence and a willingness to prioritize cost-cutting over environmental compliance.
Giles was initially charged on March 4, 2016, with violating 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(2)(A) of the Clean Water Act. This statute specifically prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source into waters of the United States without a permit. The prosecution successfully argued that Giles knowingly and willfully violated this law, leading to a conviction following a trial concluded on June 10, 2016.
In addition to the 30-month prison sentence, Giles was also ordered to participate in the 500-hour Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). While the connection between the environmental crime and the drug program isn’t explicitly detailed in available case data, it suggests potential underlying issues contributing to the defendant’s behavior. The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal enforcement actions against individuals who pollute the nation’s waterways.
The illegal dumping incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper waste disposal and the potential consequences of environmental crimes. The Clean Water Act is designed to protect our vital water resources, and those who violate it face significant penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. Further investigation into the role of KPL Septic Service, Inc., and their awareness of Giles’s illegal activities remains unclear from publicly available records.
Key Facts
- Defendant: David Christopher Giles
- Crime: Illegal dumping of raw sewage
- Location: Wildcat Creek, Anderson County, Kentucky
- Date of Offense: December 3, 2012
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
- Penalty: 30 months imprisonment, 500 hours RDAP
- Amount of Sewage Dumped: Approximately 1000 gallons
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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