George Alan Harmon, Unlawful Disposal of Bio-solids, Washington 2004

Olympia, WA – George Alan Harmon, owner and operator of D&E Septic Service, Inc., was sentenced in December 2004 following a guilty plea to illegally dumping approximately 500,000 gallons of sewage sludge, also known as bio-solids and septage, on his own property in Mason County, Washington. The case, investigated by the Washington State Department of Ecology, revealed a deliberate circumvention of proper waste disposal protocols and a breach of contract with multiple wastewater treatment plants.

Harmon’s D&E Septic Service was contracted by three Mason County Wastewater Treatment Plants to remove bio-solids and septage with the explicit understanding that the waste would be transported to a licensed bio-waste facility for appropriate processing and disposal. Instead, Harmon opted to illegally dump the material on land he owned, avoiding the costs associated with legitimate waste management. This practice not only violated state environmental regulations but also posed potential health and environmental risks to the surrounding area.

The investigation began to gain traction in late October 2004, leading to a single count being filed against Harmon for violating Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70.95J.070, specifically addressing the unlawful disposal of bio-solids. Evidence collected by investigators demonstrated a pattern of illicit dumping throughout 2003, indicating a sustained effort to defraud both the wastewater treatment plants and regulatory agencies.

Despite initial charges, Harmon’s legal troubles compounded beyond the environmental crime. He ultimately pled guilty to the charge of unlawful disposal of bio-solids, alongside guilty pleas to charges of forgery and bail jumping. The sentencing, handed down on December 2nd, 2004, reflected the severity of his offenses. Harmon received a total of 12 months incarceration for the illegal dumping, 90 days for forgery, and an additional 5.5 months for failing to appear as required—all sentences to run concurrently.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Harmon was ordered to pay a $500 special assessment fee. While the financial penalty may seem modest, investigators emphasized that the primary objective of the case was to deter future illegal dumping and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The Department of Ecology continues to monitor properties where illegal dumping has occurred to assess any long-term environmental impact.

This case underscores the importance of stringent oversight of waste management companies and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over environmental responsibility. The Department of Ecology encourages citizens to report any suspected illegal dumping activities to ensure the protection of Washington State’s natural resources. The full enforcement of RCW 70.95J.070 remains a priority for state environmental officials.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: George Alan Harmon, owner of D&E Septic Service, Inc.
Crime: Illegal disposal of approximately 500,000 gallons of bio-solids and septage.
Location: Mason County, Washington
Year: 2005 (charges filed in 2004, sentencing in 2004 regarding 2003 dumping)
Statute Violated: RCW 70.95J.070 – Unlawful disposal of bio-solids.
Penalties: 12 months incarceration (disposal), 90 days (forgery), 5.5 months (bail jumping) – concurrent sentences, and a $500 special assessment fee.
Contract Breach: Harmon’s company had contracts to deliver waste to a licensed facility, which were ignored.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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