CONCORD, NH – A former environmental coordinator for a Seabrook metal finishing company has been sentenced for knowingly submitting false reports to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concealing violations of federal clean water standards. Laurence M. Cellamare, 51, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was sentenced on June 2, 2010, in U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, to three years of probation and a $3,000 fine.
Cellamare, who served as the Environmental Coordinator for Aero Dynamics, Inc. (AD), deliberately falsified semi-annual reports detailing the company’s wastewater discharge. AD, specializing in metal finishing and plating for both military and commercial clients, generated wastewater containing cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc – all regulated toxic pollutants. This wastewater was discharged into the Seabrook publicly owned wastewater treatment plant.
Between December 2004 and December 2008, Cellamare systematically omitted data from the reports, failing to disclose that the levels of zinc and nickel exceeded EPA-permitted monthly averages. While some reports accurately reflected cadmium levels within allowable limits, investigators discovered Cellamare also falsified those reports, under-reporting the amount discharged. The EPA began monitoring Aero Dynamics’ compliance with the Clean Water Act in September 2002, requiring monthly wastewater analysis and bi-annual reporting.
The scheme came to light through a criminal investigation conducted by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. Federal prosecutors charged Cellamare on January 11, 2010, with one count of making false statements, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(1). He subsequently pleaded guilty on January 26, 2010. While the maximum penalty for making false statements to a federal agency is five years imprisonment, the sentencing reflected consideration of federal sentencing guidelines and Cellamare’s acceptance of responsibility.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Laurence M. Cellamare
- Company: Aero Dynamics, Inc. (AD)
- Location: Seabrook, New Hampshire
- Crime: Falsifying EPA reports regarding wastewater discharge
- Pollutants: Cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(1) and Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319)
- Penalty: 3 years probation, $3,000 fine
This case underscores the EPA’s commitment to vigorously pursuing individuals who attempt to circumvent environmental regulations. “Accurate reporting is critical to ensuring the protection of our waterways,” stated Michael Hubbard, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s Boston Division, in a press release following the guilty plea. The falsification of these reports not only violated federal law but also potentially jeopardized the effectiveness of the Seabrook wastewater treatment plant and the health of the surrounding environment.
The investigation highlights the importance of diligent environmental monitoring and the potential consequences for those who prioritize profit over compliance. The Clean Water Act is a cornerstone of environmental protection, and the EPA will continue to pursue enforcement actions against those who seek to undermine its effectiveness. Further details regarding the Aero Dynamics’ overall compliance with environmental regulations remain under investigation.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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