Tacoma, WA – Guadalupe Sanchez-Roman, a Mexican national, received time served and a year of supervised release after pleading guilty to knowingly violating the Clean Water Act in 2009. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stemmed from repeated illegal dumping of oily waste water into the Tacoma city drain system. Sanchez-Roman’s actions threatened the integrity of the city’s wastewater treatment facilities and potentially impacted local waterways.
The investigation began after concerned owners of the Center Street Car Wash contacted the Tacoma City Public Works Department. They reported suspicious activity captured in surveillance footage. The footage allegedly showed Sanchez-Roman dumping what appeared to be oily wastewater into the car wash’s drains on approximately 70 separate occasions between April and August of 2009. Numerous posted signs clearly warned against such illegal discharges.
EPA agents, after reviewing the surveillance photos, identified Sanchez-Roman and conducted their own observation. Agents reportedly witnessed him collecting a drum of waste from a nearby restaurant. They then observed him driving to the Center Street Car Wash, where he allegedly emptied the drum – containing used cooking oil and grease – and used water to wash out the now-empty container directly into a car wash bay drain. This action bypassed the proper disposal channels for hazardous waste and directly violated federal environmental regulations.
Legal Ramifications
Sanchez-Roman was formally charged on August 27, 2009, with one count of violating the Clean Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), which addresses knowingly violating pretreatment standards. He subsequently entered a guilty plea. On October 28, 2009, he was sentenced to 63 days of time served, followed by 12 months of supervised release. A nominal penalty of $100 was assessed, though records indicate no significant fine was ultimately imposed.
A Pattern of Disregard
The case highlights a concerning pattern of disregard for environmental regulations and the potential for significant harm caused by improper waste disposal. While the penalty in this case appears lenient, it underscores the EPA’s commitment to pursuing individuals who knowingly violate laws designed to protect the nation’s waterways. Experts suggest that stricter penalties and more robust enforcement are necessary to deter future offenses and safeguard public health and the environment.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Guadalupe Sanchez-Roman
- Location: Tacoma, Washington
- Crime: Illegal dumping of oily waste water into city drain system
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
- Dates of Offense: April – August 2009 (approximately 70 instances)
- Penalty: 63 days time served, 12 months supervised release, $100 assessed
- Source of Tip: Center Street Car Wash owners
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect our communities from pollution.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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