David Lee Flury, Illegal Dumping, California 2016

Santa Fe Springs, CA – David Lee Flury, 61, owner and operator of Flury Industries, Inc., has been sentenced to five years of probation for illegally dumping thousands of gallons of waste into a tributary of the San Gabriel River. The incident, which occurred in 2016, resulted in significant environmental damage and a hefty cleanup cost borne by the City of Santa Fe Springs.

Flury Industries, a waste-hauling company based in Santa Fe Springs, was contracted by numerous clients to properly dispose of various waste products. However, instead of transporting the waste to licensed disposal facilities as agreed, Flury admitted to dumping approximately 11,000 gallons of wastewater and soap directly into Los Coyotes Creek, a waterway that feeds into the San Gabriel River. The San Gabriel River is a vital resource for Southern California, ultimately flowing into the Pacific Ocean at Alamitos Bay.

Beyond the Spill: A Pattern of Fraud

The illegal dumping was just one facet of a larger criminal enterprise. A federal grand jury indictment revealed a complex scheme involving mail and wire fraud, witness tampering, destruction of evidence, and even identity theft. Prosecutors allege Flury defrauded approximately 17 customers out of over $350,000, pocketing fees for waste disposal services he never provided. Evidence suggests Flury routinely bypassed legal disposal methods, illegally dumping tens of thousands of gallons of waste not only into the San Gabriel River but also in desert areas of Riverside County.

Environmental and Financial Impact

The consequences of Flury’s actions were far-reaching. The City of Santa Fe Springs was forced to expend nearly $750,000 to remediate the soapy contamination in Los Coyotes Creek, a cost ultimately shouldered by taxpayers. “Water is a resource that we cannot afford to waste or pollute in drought-stricken Southern California,” stated United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker following the sentencing. “This defendant’s crime caused significant harm to the public, taxpayers and the environment.”

Multi-Agency Investigation

The case was the result of a collaborative investigation led by multiple agencies, including the City of Santa Fe Springs Fire Department, the City of Santa Fe Springs Police Department, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigations Division. This coordinated effort was crucial in uncovering the full scope of Flury’s illegal activities and bringing him to justice.

Legal Ramifications

Flury pleaded guilty to violating 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2), a section of the Clean Water Act specifically addressing the discharge of pollutants without a permit. While he received five years of probation, the potential penalties for violating the Clean Water Act can be significantly harsher, including substantial fines and imprisonment. The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding polluters accountable for their actions.

Key Facts

• Defendant: David Lee Flury, owner of Flury Industries, Inc.
• Crime: Illegal dumping of waste and related fraud.
• Location: Santa Fe Springs, California
• Waste Dumped: Approximately 11,000 gallons of wastewater and soap into Los Coyotes Creek.
• Financial Loss to Victims: Over $350,000 through fraudulent waste disposal contracts.
• Cleanup Cost: Nearly $750,000 paid by the City of Santa Fe Springs.
• Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2) – Clean Water Act.
• Sentence: 5 years probation (May 9, 2016).

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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