Gandaji Chavda, Clean Water Act Violation, CA 2006

San Diego, CA – Gandaji Chavda, along with Moore Printed Circuits, has been implicated in a long-running scheme to illegally discharge pollutants into the San Diego wastewater system. The case, originating in 2004 and culminating in convictions in 2006, reveals a pattern of deliberate tampering and violations of environmental regulations by the printed circuit board manufacturer.

Moore Printed Circuits, an independent manufacturer specializing in printed circuit boards, operates a facility involving processes like copper plating, etching, and various metal plating operations. These processes generate wastewater containing potentially harmful metals. The company was subject to a pretreatment permit designed to regulate the discharge of this wastewater into the Metropolitan Industrial Waste Program (MIWP) system, ensuring compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated an investigation after discovering evidence of tampering with an MIWP autosampler – a device used for routine, unannounced water quality testing within a manhole in front of the Moore Printed Circuits facility. Investigators found that the company had actively interfered with the sampling process, effectively concealing the true levels of pollutants being discharged. This interference, combined with numerous instances of exceeding permitted metal discharge levels, formed the basis of the criminal charges.

The legal proceedings unfolded over two years. Initially, a Sheth (first name not publicly released by authorities) was charged with violations of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – knowingly violating the Clean Water Act – and 18 U.S.C. 1342. Sheth ultimately pled guilty and received a sentence of 36 months probation, restitution of $17,917 to the City of San Diego MIWP, and a $1,000 federal fine. Subsequently, in September 2004, Chavda, Patel, and Moore Printed Circuits were charged with a total of 14 counts of Clean Water Act violations.

The case culminated in guilty pleas from Chavda and Patel in November 2005, each admitting to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully discharge pollutants. Both received 36 months probation and were ordered to pay a $2,000 federal fine. Moore Printed Circuits also pled guilty to one count and faced a more substantial penalty: 60 months probation and a $42,487 federal fine. The investigation highlighted a systemic disregard for environmental compliance within the company, driven by a desire to avoid the costs associated with proper wastewater treatment.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant(s): Gandaji Chavda, Moore Printed Circuits, Patel, Sheth
Crime: Clean Water Act Violations, Tampering with Environmental Monitoring Equipment, Conspiracy
Location: San Diego, California
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311(a), 33 U.S.C. 1317, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), 18 U.S.C. 1342
Penalties: Probation (36-60 months), Federal Fines ($1,000 – $42,487), Restitution ($17,917)
Company Activity: Moore Printed Circuits manufactures printed circuit boards, generating metal-laden wastewater.

The EPA’s enforcement action serves as a stark reminder of the agency’s commitment to protecting the nation’s waterways and holding polluters accountable. GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to safeguard public health and the environment.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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