Longmont, CO – John Paquette, 53, and his business, East Point, LLC, were sentenced Monday for the illegal discharge of raw sewage into a waterway leading to the Union Reservoir in Longmont, Colorado. The incident, which occurred on June 20, 2012, saw approximately 1,000 gallons of untreated sewage intentionally released from a hose, originating from Paquette’s self-storage facility.
The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID), highlights a growing concern over deliberate environmental violations driven by cost-cutting measures. According to court documents, Paquette and East Point, LLC knowingly bypassed proper sewage disposal protocols, directing the waste into the Oligarchy Ditch, which subsequently flowed into the Union Reservoir – a vital source of water for the region.
Federal prosecutors brought charges against both Paquette and East Point, LLC on March 19, 2013, alleging violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Both defendants entered guilty pleas before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Marcia S. Krieger on April 4, 2013. The sentencing, handed down on July 29, 2013, imposed a $10,000 fine on both Paquette individually and on his company, East Point, LLC.
U.S. Attorney John Walsh emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “Dumping sewage into a public irrigation ditch that leads to a public water reservoir has serious environmental and health consequences. The defendant in this case now knows there are criminal penalties for his conduct.” Jeffrey Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Colorado, added, “Illegally discharged sewage can sicken people, fish and wildlife. This case shows that those who try to save a buck by cutting corners will be vigorously prosecuted.”
The incident raises questions about oversight of waste management practices at self-storage facilities and other businesses that generate sewage. While the fines levied in this case represent a degree of accountability, environmental advocates argue that stricter regulations and more frequent inspections are necessary to prevent similar incidents. The Union Reservoir, a popular recreational area, faced potential contamination risks as a result of the illegal discharge, though the extent of the impact remains unclear.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Suneeta Hazra prosecuted the case, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws. The EPA CID continues to investigate potential environmental crimes across the country, seeking to deter future violations and protect public health and natural resources. This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry significant legal and financial consequences.
Key Facts
- Defendant: John Paquette and East Point, LLC
- Crime: Illegal discharge of raw sewage
- Location: Longmont, Colorado
- Date of Offense: June 20, 2012
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 33 U.S.C. 1311
- Penalty: $10,000 fine for both Paquette and East Point, LLC
- Amount of Sewage Discharged: Approximately 1,000 gallons
- Waterway Impacted: Oligarchy Ditch and Union Reservoir
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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