David S. Coldewe, Illegal Dumping, MO 2004

St. Charles, MO – David S. Coldewe, owner and operator of C&H septic service, was sentenced in December 2003 following a guilty plea to federal charges stemming from the illegal dumping of septic waste in the St. Charles, Missouri area. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of deliberate environmental violations for financial gain.

Coldewe’s business, C&H septic, was contracted to properly remove and dispose of sewage and other septic tank waste from residences and businesses. Instead of adhering to established environmental regulations, Coldewe systematically discharged the untreated waste directly into local streams and sanitary sewer outlets. This practice bypassed established wastewater treatment processes, posing significant health risks to the public and damaging local ecosystems.

The EPA began investigating Coldewe’s operations after receiving reports of suspicious discharges. Evidence gathered pointed to a clear and consistent pattern of illegal dumping, with witnesses reporting direct releases of septic waste into waterways. Investigators confirmed that Coldewe knowingly disregarded proper disposal procedures, prioritizing cost-cutting measures over environmental responsibility.

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Legal Ramifications

On October 1, 2003, Coldewe was formally charged with two counts of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A). This section of the CWA prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source without a permit. The charges stemmed from documented instances of direct discharge into protected waters.

Facing mounting evidence, Coldewe entered a guilty plea on December 12, 2003, in federal court. Judge [Name of Judge not provided in source data] sentenced Coldewe to a ten-month period of incarceration, followed by a twelve-month probationary period. In addition to the jail time and probation, Coldewe was ordered to pay a $3,000 federal fine as restitution for the environmental damage and the cost of the investigation.

Key Facts

Defendant: David S. Coldewe
Business: C&H Septic Service
Location: St. Charles, Missouri
Crime: Illegal dumping of septic waste
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
Penalty: 10 months incarceration, 12 months probation, $3,000 fine
Date of Plea: December 12, 2003

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of environmental crimes. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue individuals and companies who knowingly violate environmental laws, endangering public health and the integrity of our natural resources. The agency urges anyone with information about potential environmental violations to report it immediately.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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