George Henry Garson, Clean Water Violation, PA 1985

Philadelphia, PA – George Henry Garson, former president of Barrett Chemical Company, was sentenced to probation and fined for illegally discharging hazardous waste into a publicly owned treatment works (POTW), creating a dangerous situation with potential for fire and explosion. The case, prosecuted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the serious consequences of neglecting environmental regulations and endangering public safety.

According to court documents filed on March 1, 1985, Garson was charged with willfully and negligently violating pretreatment standards under the Clean Water Act. The Barrett Chemical Company, under Garson’s leadership, allegedly introduced waste solvents into the POTW, exceeding permissible levels and posing a significant risk to the system’s operation. These solvents, incompatible with the treatment process, created a volatile environment capable of igniting and causing substantial damage.

The EPA’s investigation revealed a pattern of disregard for established environmental protocols. The discharge of these solvents bypassed crucial safeguards designed to prevent hazardous materials from entering the wastewater system. Authorities noted the potential for not only physical damage to the POTW but also for the release of toxic fumes into the surrounding community. The deliberate nature of the violations, as alleged in the initial information, suggested a cost-cutting measure at the expense of public well-being.

On May 1, 1985, Garson entered a guilty plea to the charges, admitting to the unlawful discharge. The plea acknowledged the severity of the offense and the potential harm caused by the company’s actions. While the specifics of the company’s operational practices contributing to the violations remain largely undisclosed, the EPA’s successful prosecution sent a clear message to other industrial facilities regarding the importance of regulatory compliance.

The sentencing, handed down on October 1, 1985, saw Garson receive 36 months of probation. As part of the sentence, he was mandated to complete two hours of community service each week for the first 12 months of his probation. Additionally, Garson was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine. While some may view the penalty as lenient, legal experts at the time pointed to the relatively new enforcement of the Clean Water Act as a contributing factor, suggesting future cases would likely carry harsher penalties.

Key Facts

Defendant: George Henry Garson
Company: Barrett Chemical Company (former president)
Location: Pennsylvania
Year: 1985
Laws Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1317(d) and 33 U.S.C. 1346 (Clean Water Act, sections 307 and 309(c)(1))
Penalty: 36 months probation, 2 hours/week community service (first 12 months), $2,500 fine
Crime: Illegal discharge of waste solvents into a publicly owned treatment works (POTW), creating a fire/explosion hazard.

The Garson case stands as a historical example of early EPA enforcement under the Clean Water Act, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to protecting water resources and holding polluters accountable. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in industrial waste management and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over environmental safety.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases