Michael Ward, Environmental Data Falsification and Clean Water Act Violation, New York 2018

Binghamton, NY – A former technical director at the APC Paper Group paper mill in Norfolk, New York, has been sentenced for deliberately falsifying environmental data and violating the Clean Water Act, federal prosecutors announced. Michael Ward, 26-JAN-18, received three years of probation, 200 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine after pleading guilty to three felony counts related to the illegal discharge of pollutants into the Raquette River.

Between January 2013 and September 2015, Ward, acting as the Technical Director responsible for environmental compliance at the APC Paper Group facility, knowingly circumvented regulations designed to protect the Raquette River. According to court documents, Ward directed the mill to exceed permitted levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in its wastewater discharges. BOD is a critical indicator of water quality, measuring the amount of oxygen available to support aquatic life. Excessively high BOD levels can deplete oxygen, harming or killing fish and other organisms.

The scheme involved not only the unauthorized discharges but also a calculated effort to conceal the violations from regulatory oversight. Ward systematically falsified data pertaining to BOD levels in the mill’s wastewater, manipulating records to present a false picture of compliance. He then submitted these fabricated reports to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), effectively shielding the mill from enforcement actions for an extended period.

The fraudulent activity came to light following Ward’s termination from APC Paper Group in the fall of 2015, unrelated to the environmental violations. A subsequent investigation, spearheaded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) in collaboration with the New York State DEC’s Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigation Unit (BECI), uncovered the deliberate falsification of records and the pattern of illegal discharges.

“Environmental crimes are serious offenses that threaten public health and the integrity of our natural resources,” stated Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry, who prosecuted the case. “This sentencing sends a clear message that those who intentionally violate environmental laws and attempt to cover up their actions will be held accountable.” The case highlights the importance of robust environmental monitoring and the potential for significant harm when compliance measures are deliberately undermined.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Michael Ward
Location: Norfolk, New York; Raquette River
Years of Violation: 2013 – 2015
Crime: Falsifying environmental data and violating the Clean Water Act
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 2(a), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), 33 U.S.C. 1319 (c)(4)
Penalty: 3 years probation, 200 hours community service, $1,000 fine
Investigating Agencies: EPA-CID, NYS DEC – BECI

The prosecution emphasized that Ward’s actions weren’t simply negligent oversight, but a deliberate and sustained effort to deceive regulators and profit from non-compliance. The case serves as a cautionary tale for other industries, underscoring the legal and financial risks associated with prioritizing economic gain over environmental responsibility.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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