Pierre, SD – Former City of Pierre wastewater superintendent, Greg V. Mohr, 54, has been sentenced following a guilty plea to two counts of water pollution control violations. The case, which surfaced after a self-report by the City of Pierre, reveals a deliberate manipulation of chlorine level discharge reports, raising questions about oversight within the municipal water system.
According to a statement released by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, Mohr admitted to falsifying data related to chlorine levels released from the wastewater treatment facility. While the investigation, conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation, found no evidence of adverse impacts to drinking water or the surrounding environment, the deliberate alteration of official reports constitutes a serious breach of public trust and a violation of state environmental regulations.
Details of the Offense and Sentencing
Mohr was initially charged on March 24, 2015, with violating State Environmental Regulations. He subsequently pleaded guilty on May 28, 2015, to two class one misdemeanor counts of water pollution control violations. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. However, the sentence handed down was significantly lighter, consisting of 15 days of jail time suspended on each count, $168 in court costs, and 80 hours of community service.
Career Consequences
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the sentencing is the mandated relinquishment of any certification or permit required to work in a water pollution control or wastewater management facility for a period of two years. This effectively bars Mohr from holding a similar position, demonstrating the severity with which the state views the intentional misreporting of environmental data. Attorney General Marty Jackley emphasized the full cooperation of both the City of Pierre and Mohr throughout the investigation, a factor likely influencing the mitigated sentencing.
Implications for Municipal Oversight
The case highlights the importance of robust internal controls and transparent reporting procedures within municipal water and wastewater facilities. The fact that the violation was self-reported suggests a degree of accountability within the City of Pierre, but also raises questions about the initial conditions that allowed the falsification to occur. Further scrutiny of the facility’s monitoring and reporting protocols may be warranted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Greg V. Mohr, 54
- Location: Pierre, South Dakota
- Year: 2015
- Charges: Two counts of water pollution control violations (Class 1 Misdemeanors)
- Statutes Violated: South Dakota State Environmental Regulations
- Penalties: 15 days jail (suspended), $168 court costs, 80 hours community service, 2-year ban from wastewater/pollution control work.
- Reporting Source: Self-reported by the City of Pierre
- Environmental Impact: No evidence of adverse effects on drinking water or the environment
The Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case, bringing a conclusion to an incident that, while lacking immediate environmental harm, underscores the critical need for integrity in the management of vital public resources.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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