Lafayette, LA – The owner of One Low Price Cleaners (OLPC) in Lafayette, Louisiana, Jason Bruno, was sentenced to probation and fines after pleading guilty to negligently discharging hazardous waste into the city’s sewer system. The case, investigated by a multi-agency task force, highlights the dangers of improper handling of toxic chemicals used in the dry cleaning industry and the potential for widespread environmental and public health consequences.
According to court documents, Bruno admitted to failing to properly dispose of wastewater containing tetrachloroethylene (PERC), a federally listed hazardous waste commonly used in dry cleaning. Instead of contracting with a permitted hazardous waste disposal company – a practice he abandoned as early as February 2007 – Bruno and OLPC employees routinely poured PERC-contaminated wastewater down the toilet, allowing it to enter the public sewer system. An initial investigation was hampered by misrepresentations from an OLPC employee regarding the storage of the chemical, delaying the discovery of improperly stored PERC in unapproved containers until May 28, 2009.
The improper disposal wasn’t merely a regulatory oversight. During an emergency response in May 2009, triggered by reports of hazardous fumes, nearby businesses and residents were evacuated, with some individuals requiring medical attention due to PERC exposure. Traces of the chemical were subsequently found in adjacent businesses due to the shared sewer system, and at the point where OLPC’s wastewater entered the city’s network. This demonstrated a clear and present danger to the surrounding community.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
Bruno and OLPC were initially charged with violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(B) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(B), for negligently and knowingly discharging pollutants into the sewer system. Additional charges under 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) were filed against Bruno and his company in June of 2012. Following a guilty plea entered in July 2012, Bruno was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 federal fine. OLPC (Prejean-Webb) was also fined $2,500. The violations also stemmed from a breach of the local pre-treatment program maintained by the Lafayette Utility System (LUS), which requires permits for industrial waste discharge – a permit OLPC never obtained.
Agency Response
The investigation was spearheaded by the Louisiana Environmental Crimes Task Force, a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Criminal Investigation Division, and the Louisiana State Police. EPA Special Agent in Charge Ivan Vikin emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that the negligent dumping of PERC, a chemical capable of causing serious health effects and even death, would not be tolerated. LDEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch echoed this sentiment, highlighting the agency’s commitment to prosecuting those who prioritize profit over public health and environmental safety.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Jason Bruno, owner of One Low Price Cleaners (OLPC)
- Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
- Crime: Negligent discharge of hazardous waste (PERC) into the sewer system
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(B), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(B), 18 U.S.C. 1001
- Timeline: Improper disposal occurred from December 2007 to May 2009
- Penalties: 12 months probation for Bruno, $1,000 fine for Bruno, $2,500 fine for OLPC
- Impact: Evacuations and medical treatment required for citizens and employees due to PERC exposure.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley underscored the importance of environmental laws in protecting citizens and the environment, vowing continued prosecution of similar cases. The case serves as a stark reminder to businesses handling hazardous materials to adhere to strict regulations and prioritize responsible waste management practices.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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