DAYTON, OH – Melvin L. Tatman, owner of Multi-Service, a commercial and industrial absorbent recycling company, was sentenced in December 2006 following a guilty plea to charges of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a deliberate scheme to bypass wastewater treatment protocols, resulting in the illegal discharge of hazardous pollutants into the City of Dayton’s sewer system.
Multi-Service specializes in cleaning and reconditioning materials like absorbents, gloves, towels, and filter bags through industrial laundry and dry cleaning processes. Instead of properly treating the resulting wastewater, the company knowingly circumvented its pretreatment system, sending untreated effluent directly into the municipal sewer. This discharge contained a dangerous cocktail of pollutants, including heavy metals such as lead and zinc, alongside the cleaning solvent Stoddard.
The EPA’s investigation uncovered particularly concerning data regarding a hydrocarbon layer sampled from the sewer system. Analysis revealed a flashpoint of 96.8 degrees, indicating a significant fire hazard posed by the improperly disposed of solvent. Authorities allege the deliberate bypass was a cost-cutting measure, prioritizing profit over environmental compliance and public safety. The company’s actions risked damaging the city’s wastewater treatment facilities and potentially contaminating local waterways.
Tatman was initially charged on July 27, 2006, with violations of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – knowingly violating the Clean Water Act – and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) for negligent violation. Additional charges under 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5) related to improper hazardous waste transportation were also filed. Both Tatman and Multi-Service entered guilty pleas on August 8, 2006, accepting responsibility for the unlawful discharges.
Penalties & Sentencing
On December 14, 2006, Tatman received a sentence of 24 months probation, along with a $150 special assessment fee and a $5,000 fine. Multi-Service itself was also sentenced to 24 months probation and ordered to pay a $1,050 special assessment fee and a significantly larger $20,000 fine. The penalties reflect the severity of the violations and the potential environmental harm caused by the company’s actions.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Melvin L. Tatman & Multi-Service
- Location: Dayton, Ohio
- Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants into the sewer system, violating the Clean Water Act and hazardous waste transportation laws.
- Pollutants: Lead, zinc, Stoddard solvent, and flammable hydrocarbons.
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A), 33 U.S.C. 1311(a), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5)
- Penalties: Tatman – 24 months probation, $5,150 in fines. Multi-Service – 24 months probation, $21,050 in fines.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding polluters accountable. The agency continues to investigate and prosecute companies and individuals who prioritize profit over the health of our communities and the environment.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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