John Kesselring, Falsifying Data, Pennsylvania 2012

Fox Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant operator John Kesselring was sentenced to a year of probation and a $300 federal fine after admitting to falsifying data reported to environmental regulators, according to court records unsealed this week. The case, stemming from violations discovered in 2010, highlights a disturbing pattern of misconduct at the Pennsylvania facility and raises questions about oversight of wastewater treatment plants nationwide.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection investigated Kesselring after discrepancies were found in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit reporting. Investigators determined Kesselring knowingly submitted inaccurate monitoring data collected via field instruments and improperly performed required water sampling. These actions were designed to conceal potential violations of established water quality standards, effectively misleading both regulators and the public.

The investigation revealed a systemic attempt to circumvent environmental regulations. Kesselring’s false reporting directly violated Section 1319(c)(4) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4)), which criminalizes knowingly making false statements or certifications in matters related to the Act. He also violated Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Law (35 P.S. 691.611), a state statute mirroring federal mandates for water quality protection.

The timeline of the case began on January 4, 2011, when initial charges were filed against a co-defendant, Horrex, under the Clean Streams Law. Kesselring was formally charged on October 24, 2011, with the federal Clean Water Act violation and subsequently pled guilty. Horrex also pled guilty on January 4, 2012, receiving a significantly harsher sentence of 23 months incarceration and a $5,000 state fine. Kesselring’s sentencing on February 7, 2012, to 12 months probation and a $300 federal fine has drawn criticism from environmental advocacy groups who argue the penalty is disproportionately lenient given the potential for environmental harm.

The Fox Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant serves a substantial population in central Pennsylvania, and the integrity of its discharge data is critical to protecting downstream water resources. Experts suggest that falsified data not only masks pollution but also hinders effective environmental management and potentially endangers public health. The incident underscores the need for robust monitoring programs, stringent enforcement of environmental regulations, and increased accountability for those entrusted with safeguarding our water supplies.

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Key Facts

Defendant: John Kesselring
Crime: Falsifying water quality data and improper sampling
Location: Fox Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Pennsylvania
Year: 2012 (violations occurred in 2010)
Laws Violated: Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4)), Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law (35 P.S. 691.611)
Penalty: 12 months probation, $300 federal fine
Co-defendant: Horrex, sentenced to 23 months incarceration and $5,000 fine.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and investigate potential systemic issues within the wastewater treatment industry. Readers with information regarding environmental crimes are encouraged to contact our tip line.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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