Pittsburgh, PA – A former supervisor at the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has received a year of probation for his role in a years-long scheme to illegally dump wastewater sludge into the Allegheny River. James Paprocki, who oversaw operations at the Aspinwall Drinking Water Production Plant, was sentenced on September 8, 2022, after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act.
According to court documents, between 2010 and 2017, Paprocki and co-conspirator Glenn Lijewski bypassed established environmental protocols designed to protect the Allegheny River. Instead of sending clarifier sludge – a byproduct of the water purification process – to the ALCOSAN wastewater treatment plant as required by their operating permit, the pair directed the discharge directly into the river. This practice avoided treatment costs and violated federal environmental regulations.
Falsified Reporting
The scheme extended beyond the illegal dumping. Paprocki and Lijewski further compounded the crime by submitting falsified reports to regulatory agencies. These reports deliberately underestimated the volume of sludge actually being sent to ALCOSAN, masking the true extent of their unlawful discharges. The false reporting was intended to create the illusion of compliance with environmental standards, misleading both authorities and the public.
Investigation & Sentencing
The investigation, led by federal authorities, uncovered the systematic nature of the dumping and the deliberate falsification of records. Lijewski, who also served as a plant supervisor, received a 36-month probation sentence and a $1,500 fine on August 16, 2022. Paprocki’s sentence, while less severe, underscores the seriousness with which federal prosecutors are treating environmental crimes. In addition to one year of probation, Paprocki was ordered to pay a $500 fine.
Legal Ramifications
The actions of Paprocki and Lijewski violated Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 371 – Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. This statute addresses agreements between two or more people to obstruct lawful government functions. The illegal discharge of pollutants also constitutes a violation of the Clean Water Act, a cornerstone of environmental protection in the United States. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who prioritize cost-cutting over environmental responsibility.
GrimyTimes Investigative Note
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and investigate potential systemic issues within the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority that may have contributed to this criminal activity. The long duration of the illegal dumping raises questions about oversight and internal controls at the Aspinwall plant.
Key Facts
- Defendant: James Paprocki
- Location: Aspinwall Drinking Water Production Plant, Pittsburgh, PA
- Years Active: 2010 – 2017
- Crime: Illegal discharge of clarifier sludge into the Allegheny River and falsifying reports.
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy to Defraud the United States) & Clean Water Act violations.
- Penalties: 1 year probation, $500 fine.
- Co-conspirator: Glenn Lijewski (sentenced to 36 months probation, $1,500 fine)
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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