Englewood, CO – A former employee of the Inverness Water and Sanitation District was convicted of fraud in 2008 after submitting falsified laboratory reports to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Martin Deline, who worked at the sewage treatment plant, deliberately manipulated data related to bio-solids—treated sewage sludge—land application, potentially endangering public health and the environment.
The Inverness Water and Sanitation District held a permit governing the land application of bio-solids, which included strict limitations on the allowable levels of fecal coliforms and heavy metals. These regulations are designed to prevent contamination of soil and water resources. Deline’s role involved preparing and submitting analysis reports demonstrating compliance with these standards. However, investigators discovered that the reports contained fabricated data, indicating that the bio-solids met regulatory requirements when they allegedly did not.
The scheme came to light following routine oversight by state and federal environmental agencies. Discrepancies in the submitted reports triggered a more detailed investigation, which ultimately revealed the falsification. The submitted documentation was critical for demonstrating the plant’s adherence to environmental regulations and avoiding potential penalties. By providing false information, Deline attempted to circumvent these regulations and potentially reduce operational costs for the district.
Legal Ramifications
On August 14, 2007, Deline was formally charged with two counts of violating Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.). These included C.R.S. 25-8-610, covering falsification and tampering with reports, and C.R.S. 18-5-102(a)(d), pertaining to the forgery of a public record. These charges carry significant penalties, reflecting the seriousness of environmental crimes and the potential for harm to public health. The falsification of environmental reports is considered a breach of public trust and a deliberate attempt to mislead regulatory authorities.
Outcome of the Case
Deline ultimately pled guilty to one count of the charges on November 21, 2007. The court sentenced him to 12 months of probation, 40 hours of community service, and ordered him to pay $17 in court costs. Notably, no fines were imposed. While the sentence appears lenient, it reflects the specific circumstances of the case and potentially Deline’s cooperation with investigators. However, the conviction remains a matter of public record and serves as a warning to others who might consider similar fraudulent activities.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Martin Deline
- Location: Inverness Water and Sanitation District, Englewood, Colorado
- Year: 2008
- Statutes Violated: C.R.S. 25-8-610 (Falsification of Reports), C.R.S. 18-5-102(a)(d) (Forgery of Public Record)
- Crime: Fraudulent reporting of bio-solids analysis data.
- Penalty: 12 months probation, 40 hours community service, $17 court costs.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to hold polluters and fraudsters accountable for their actions. This case underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and enforcement of environmental regulations to protect public health and the environment.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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