Michael Greene, Clean Water Act Violation, South Carolina 2017
Dirty Deeds in the Palmetto State: Local Man Sentenced for Dumping Hazardous Waste
Columbia, South Carolina - In a shocking case of environmental neglect, Michael Greene, a 45-year-old Columbia resident, has been sentenced to 90 days in federal prison and fined $25,000 for violating the Clean Water Act.
According to court documents, Greene worked for an environmental company that offered hazardous waste disposal services. However, instead of transporting the liquid runoff from solid waste at an Eastover landfill to the Florence Wastewater Management Facility as instructed, Greene chose to dump the hazardous waste, also known as 'leachate,' into the Leesburg Branch Creek on multiple occasions in mid-2017.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) led the investigation into Greene's actions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr. prosecuted the case, bringing Greene to justice for his reckless disregard for the environment.
Greene's job was to transport the hazardous waste, but instead, he chose to dump it into the creek, putting the local ecosystem and its inhabitants at risk.
The 90-day prison sentence and $25,000 fine are a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental crimes. As our community continues to grow and develop, it is essential that we prioritize the protection of our natural resources.
Greene's case serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit and harm our environment for personal gain.
The EPA, DHEC, and DNR worked tirelessly to bring this case to justice, and their efforts are a testament to the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
In the end, justice has been served, and the community can rest a little easier knowing that those who would harm our environment will be held accountable.
Defendant: Michael Greene
Crime: Violating the Clean Water Act
City and State: Columbia, South Carolina
Date: Not specified in the original source
Sentence: 90 days in federal prison and fined $25,000
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Category: Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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