St. Louis, MO – Gregory Pfeffer, a wastewater treatment operator in the St. Louis area, was sentenced in 2012 after pleading guilty to falsifying reports submitted to state environmental regulators. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and brought to light by information from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), revealed a pattern of deliberately misleading data regarding wastewater discharge quality.
According to court documents, Pfeffer, along with co-defendant, knowingly submitted false Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). These reports are legally required under the Clean Water Act to accurately reflect the composition of wastewater released from treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and protecting public health. The falsified reports concealed potential violations of permitted discharge limits, potentially exposing Missouri waterways to harmful pollutants.
The investigation stemmed from concerns raised by the MDNR, which identified discrepancies in the submitted DMRs. Federal prosecutors charged Pfeffer with one count of violating 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4), specifically for making false statements in documents required under the Clean Water Act. The charge carries significant penalties, reflecting the seriousness of environmental crimes and the potential for long-term ecological damage.
On July 5, 2012, Pfeffer was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 federal fine. While the sentence was relatively lenient, legal experts suggest that the guilty plea and cooperation with investigators likely played a role in the reduced penalty. The case highlights the critical role of accurate reporting in maintaining environmental integrity and the legal consequences for those who attempt to circumvent regulations.
The prosecution didn’t stop with Pfeffer. His employer, GNP Services, was also charged with violating the Clean Water Act in March 2013, also under 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4), for its role in the scheme. GNP Services pled guilty and received 48 months probation and a $4,500 fine. Co-defendant Boos also pled guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to 24 months probation, 25 hours of community service and a $7,500 fine.
This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental regulations are not merely suggestions, but legally binding requirements. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue individuals and corporations who prioritize profit over environmental protection, leveraging both criminal and civil enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act and other vital environmental laws. The falsification of DMRs not only undermines the integrity of the regulatory system but also poses a direct threat to the health of our waterways and the communities that depend on them.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Gregory Pfeffer
- Crime: Violation of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4) – False Statements)
- State: Missouri
- Year: 2013 (charges filed in 2012)
- Sentence: 24 months probation, $1,000 federal fine
- Co-defendant: Boos (24 months probation, 25 hours community service, $7,500 fine)
- Company involved: GNP Services (48 months probation, $4,500 fine)
- Evidence: False Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) submitted to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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