Greg Street Plating, Inc., Violating Effluent Standards, Nevada 2007

Sparks, Nevada – Greg Street Plating, Inc. was sentenced in federal court earlier this month after pleading guilty to illegally discharging hazardous waste into the City of Sparks’ sewer system. The incident, which occurred in 2006, threatened significant damage to the city’s Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) and prompted a criminal investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to court documents, the metal plating company knowingly released highly acidic wastewater – a byproduct of their industrial processes – into the municipal sewer lines. Investigators determined the discharge contained levels of pollutants that exceeded permitted limits under the Clean Water Act, potentially overwhelming the POTW’s treatment capacity and causing a system failure. Fortunately, authorities were able to divert the contaminated flow before substantial damage occurred to the plant itself.

The case originated with an indictment on May 17, 2006, charging Greg Street Plating, Inc. with one count of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), which addresses knowing violations of effluent standards. The EPA’s investigation uncovered evidence suggesting the company was aware of the hazardous nature of their discharge and failed to take adequate measures to prevent its release.

On April 6, 2007, Greg Street Plating, Inc. entered a guilty plea to the single count. Federal Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the sentencing hearing, where the company was ordered to pay a $400 special assessment fee – a standard penalty in federal criminal cases – and a $30,000 federal fine. While the financial penalties are relatively modest, the case serves as a warning to other industrial facilities regarding the serious consequences of environmental crimes.

Environmental advocacy groups have long criticized the EPA for what they deem lenient sentencing in cases of corporate pollution. While the agency secured a conviction, some argue that the fine imposed on Greg Street Plating, Inc. is insufficient to deter future violations and fails to fully account for the potential environmental harm caused by their actions. The incident underscores the ongoing struggle to balance industrial development with the protection of vital water resources.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Greg Street Plating, Inc.
Location: Sparks, Nevada
Crime: Illegal discharge of hazardous waste into a municipal sewer system.
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – Knowing violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Also 33 U.S.C. 1311(a).
Date of Indictment: May 17, 2006
Date of Plea: April 6, 2007
Penalties: $400 special assessment fee and a $30,000 federal fine.
Potential Damage: The discharge nearly damaged the local POTW.

The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of the Clean Water Act, focusing on industries that pose a significant risk to water quality. This case highlights the agency’s commitment to holding polluters accountable and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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