Florence, SC – Former Florence Department of Public Works manager Larry A. Greene was convicted of fraud in 1999 after falsifying reports related to wastewater pretreatment inspections. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and pursued through the federal court system, revealed a deliberate scheme to mislead state regulators regarding compliance with environmental regulations.
Greene, who oversaw the city’s water and wastewater divisions, admitted to fabricating inspection reports for twelve South Carolina companies. These reports falsely indicated that Greene had conducted required inspections of the companies’ pretreatment activities – processes designed to remove pollutants from industrial wastewater before it enters municipal sewer systems. Crucially, Greene also forged the signatures of company representatives on these falsified documents, further cementing the deception.
The scheme came to light after scrutiny from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), who began to question the validity of the submitted inspection reports. Federal investigators quickly determined that Greene had not, in fact, performed the inspections he claimed to have completed. The falsified reports put the public health and environment at risk by potentially allowing untreated or improperly treated wastewater to enter the system.
On August 7, 1998, Greene was indicted on 25 counts of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4), which criminalizes making false statements, representations, or certifications in any report related to CWA compliance. However, he ultimately pled guilty to just two of those counts on August 27, 1998. While the initial indictment covered a wider scope of fraudulent activity, the plea agreement resulted in a more limited sentencing.
Penalties & Sentencing
On December 14, 1998, Greene received a sentence of 36 months probation, a relatively lenient penalty considering the potential environmental and public health implications of his actions. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, pay $200 in court costs, and contribute a $200 community fine. Critics at the time questioned whether the sentence adequately reflected the seriousness of the offense and the potential damage caused by the fraudulent reporting.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Larry A. Greene
- Location: Florence, South Carolina
- Crime: Falsifying Clean Water Act inspection reports
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4)
- Plea: Guilty to two counts
- Sentence: 36 months probation, 200 hours community service, $400 in fines/costs
- The fraudulent reports involved 12 South Carolina companies.
The Greene case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of accurate reporting and diligent oversight in environmental enforcement. While the penalties in this instance were modest, the case highlights the EPA’s commitment to pursuing individuals who attempt to circumvent environmental regulations through fraudulent means. The long-term consequences of such actions can be significant, impacting water quality and public health for years to come.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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