Scranton, PA – David Klepadlo, a licensed professional engineer and owner of David D. Klepadlo & Associates, Inc., has been sentenced for defrauding the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and attempting to tamper with a witness, according to court documents released October 28, 2020. Klepadlo and his company contracted with several municipalities in northeast Pennsylvania to operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants, but systematically failed to adhere to environmental regulations between May 2012 and June 2014.
The investigation revealed a pattern of negligence and deliberate falsification of data. Klepadlo admitted to authorities that he considered required daily water sampling a “waste of time” and routinely skipped the process. Surveillance footage documented 116 days where Klepadlo failed to visit one plant entirely, yet he continued to submit falsified daily sample results to both state and federal environmental agencies. The affected facilities were the Greenfield Township Sewer Authority and the Benton/Nicholson Sewer Authority. Wastewater discharged from these plants ultimately flowed into tributaries of the Susquehanna River, impacting designated fisheries habitats.
The scheme wasn’t limited to simply neglecting testing procedures. Klepadlo actively attempted to obstruct justice by soliciting his employee to fabricate a false narrative to investigators. According to the Department of Justice, Klepadlo directed the employee to claim a retired state environmental inspector had authorized the improper sampling procedures. Fortunately, the employee cooperated with investigators and recorded multiple conversations with Klepadlo detailing the attempted cover-up. This evidence proved crucial to the prosecution.
Legal Ramifications & Sentencing
Klepadlo was charged with violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code and the Clean Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(4) – which addresses false reporting under the CWA – and 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2) – pertaining to tampering with a witness. The case involved complex arguments regarding sentencing guidelines, with the original trial judge ultimately siding with the prosecution on the applicable guideline section, 2Q1.2. Klepadlo received a sentence of time served, followed by three years of supervised release, including one year of home confinement. His company, David D. Klepadlo & Associates, Inc., will serve a five-year term of probation and pay a $10,000 fine.
Environmental Impact
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection confirmed that both streams receiving discharge from the affected wastewater treatment plants – Dundaff Creek and South Branch Tunkhannock Creek – are designated fisheries habitats. The falsified reports and lack of proper treatment potentially exposed aquatic life and the broader ecosystem to harmful pollutants. While the full extent of the environmental damage is still being assessed, the case highlights the critical importance of accurate reporting and diligent oversight of wastewater treatment facilities.
Key Facts
- Defendant: David D. Klepadlo and David D. Klepadlo & Associates, Inc.
- Location: Northeast Pennsylvania
- Years of Fraud: May 2012 – June 2014
- Violated Laws: 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(4) (Clean Water Act false reporting), 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(2) (Witness Tampering)
- Sentence: Klepadlo – Time served, 3 years supervised release (1 year home confinement); Company – 5 years probation, $10,000 fine
- Impact: Potential harm to fisheries habitats in Dundaff Creek, Tunkhannock Creek, and the Susquehanna River
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments regarding the environmental impact and remediation efforts.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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