HAZLETON, PA – Hazleton Oil & Environmental Inc., along with two of its officers, faced justice in Schuylkill County Court earlier this year for a scheme to illegally process and misrepresent waste oil recycling practices. The case, brought forth by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office and investigated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), revealed a pattern of unlawful conduct spanning from May 2010 to June 2012. The company and its executives knowingly accepted excessive amounts of waste oil, blended it with usable oil, and falsified records to conceal their actions.
Daniel Ryan Clemens, 33, of Harleysville, and John Scott Clemens, 60, of Hazleton, were both implicated in the fraudulent activity. Daniel Clemens pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful conduct, stemming from 35 documented instances of exceeding DEP-mandated waste oil limits at facilities in Banks Township and Barnesville. John Clemens, representing the company, entered a guilty plea to charges of tampering with public records and two counts of unlawful conduct. The scheme involved not only improper handling of waste but a deliberate attempt to mislead regulators.
Details of the Illegal Operation
Investigators determined that Hazleton Oil & Environmental knowingly circumvented regulations designed to protect the environment and ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials. The illegal blending of waste oil with clean oil allowed the company to profit from materials that should have been handled as hazardous waste. The falsification of records further obscured the extent of the violations, hindering DEP’s oversight and potentially exposing the public to environmental risks.
Plea Bargains and Penalties
On January 17th, Judge Joseph J. Matika accepted a plea agreement outlining the penalties for the defendants. Hazleton Oil & Environmental Inc. was fined $50,000 – $25,000 for each of two counts – and ordered to pay $62,707 in restitution to the DEP. Daniel Clemens received a three-year probationary sentence, a $4,000 fine, and was mandated to complete 150 hours of community service. Both fines and restitution are to be paid over 26 monthly installments.
John Clemens received a more lenient sentence, being placed in the county’s Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) program for six months. As part of the ARD program, he was required to pay a $650 assessment fee and complete 25 hours of community service. The ARD program allows for the dismissal of charges upon successful completion of the terms.
Legal Violations
The defendants violated multiple state statutes, including STATE (3560186109), STATE (184911)(a)(1), STATE (3560186104), and STATE (3560186102). These violations relate to improper waste management, exceeding allowable waste oil intake limits, and falsifying records submitted to the DEP. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental crime and the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect public health and the environment.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Hazleton Oil & Environmental Inc., Daniel Ryan Clemens, John Scott Clemens
- Location: Banks Township & Barnesville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
- Timeline of Crimes: May 2010 – June 2012
- Violated Statutes: STATE (3560186109), STATE (184911)(a)(1), STATE (3560186104), STATE (3560186102)
- Company Fine: $50,000
- Company Restitution: $62,707 to DEP
- Daniel Clemens Penalty: 3 years probation, $4,000 fine, 150 hours community service
- John Clemens Penalty: 6 months ARD, $650 assessment, 25 hours community service
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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