St. Paul, MN – John Roger Lundquist, along with two co-defendants, pled guilty in 1993 to falsifying water quality data submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), according to federal court records. The scheme involved manipulating residual chlorine analysis reports related to wastewater discharged from a power plant into the Mississippi River.
The violations occurred between January and September of 1992. Lundquist, working alongside colleagues, intentionally submitted inaccurate Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). These reports are legally required to accurately reflect the chemical composition of wastewater released from industrial facilities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations designed to protect waterways like the Mississippi.
Federal investigators determined the falsification centered around residual chlorine levels – a critical indicator of the potential harm to aquatic life. By submitting false data, the defendants concealed the true extent of pollutants being released into the river, potentially jeopardizing the health of the ecosystem and violating the Clean Water Act. The power plant’s cooling system was the source of the discharges in question.
The case, pursued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), resulted in criminal charges being filed on November 4, 1993. Lundquist faced 33 counts of violating the Clean Water Act, while co-defendants Marotz was charged with 28 counts, and Walsh with eight. Each defendant ultimately agreed to plead guilty to a single count to resolve the charges.
While the full details of the motive behind the falsification remain largely unreported, sources suggest the inaccurate reporting was an attempt to avoid potential fines or operational restrictions stemming from exceeding permitted discharge limits. The EPA’s criminal enforcement division views such actions as a serious breach of public trust and a direct threat to environmental health.
The sentencing, handed down after the guilty pleas, saw each of the three defendants fined $2,500. While seemingly a modest penalty, the EPA often pursues these cases to deter future violations and emphasize the legal consequences of environmental fraud. This case underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding the integrity of environmental reporting and protecting vital waterways.
Key Facts
- Defendant: John Roger Lundquist, along with Marotz and Walsh
- State: Minnesota
- Year of Offense: 1992
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(6)(A) – Failing to conduct tests on waste discharge as required by the Clean Water Act.
- Discharge Location: Mississippi River
- Penalty: $2,500 fine per defendant
- Method: Falsification of residual chlorine analysis in Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs).
GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and provide in-depth coverage of cases impacting communities nationwide.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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