George Butterworth, Violating Clean Water Act, Tennessee 2016

Dickson, TN – A Tennessee grease hauling company and its top executives have been brought to justice for systematically dumping waste grease into municipal sewer systems, causing significant damage and disruption to public services. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, highlights a pattern of deliberate environmental violations driven by cost-cutting measures.

Southern Grease Company, formerly based in Dickson, Tennessee, pleaded guilty in May 2015 to four felony violations of the Clean Water Act. The company illegally discharged waste grease collected from restaurants and other commercial clients into grease interceptors connected to municipal sewer systems in Dickson and Clarksville, Tennessee, and potentially in Kentucky. This practice caused substantial clogging of pipes and operational failures at pump stations, requiring costly emergency repairs and impacting wastewater treatment processes.

The fallout from Southern Grease’s actions extended beyond financial burdens. In December 2013, a particularly egregious dumping incident in Clarksville resulted in the obstruction of sewer lines and damage to a pumping station, forcing a complete shutdown for cleaning and repairs. Authorities traced the source back to Southern Grease, initiating a comprehensive investigation that revealed a consistent pattern of illegal disposal.

The company wasn’t the only party facing consequences. George Butterworth, 75, President and owner of Southern Grease, was sentenced on February 1, 2016, to two months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. Butterworth also pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act, conspiring to violate the Act, and making false statements to EPA agents. Gerald McGee, 51, the company’s Operations Manager, received a one-month prison sentence and two years of supervised release in November 2015 for his role in the scheme.

In addition to the prison sentences, Southern Grease was slapped with a hefty $280,000 criminal fine and ordered to forfeit $113,500 on February 19, 2016. Both the company and its executives were also directed by U.S. District Court Judge Aleta A. Trauger to pay restitution to the affected municipal authorities in Dickson and Clarksville, totaling $48,381 each, to cover the costs of repairs and cleanup. The total financial impact of Southern Grease’s illegal actions is estimated to be well over $400,000.

Key Facts

Defendant: George Butterworth, Gerald McGee, Southern Grease Company
Location: Dickson and Clarksville, Tennessee
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) (Clean Water Act violation), 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(2) (False Statements), 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy)
Penalties: Butterworth – 2 months imprisonment, 1 year supervised release, restitution. McGee – 1 month imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, restitution. Southern Grease – $280,000 fine, $113,500 forfeiture, restitution.
Investigation: EPA Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Prosecution: Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely

This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry significant legal consequences. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue companies and individuals who prioritize profit over compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring the protection of our nation’s waterways and public health. The investigation into potential violations in Kentucky remains open, according to sources close to the case.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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