Michael Materna, Clean Water Act Violation, Indiana 2011

Walkerton, Indiana – A local mint oil processor has been sentenced for illegally discharging heated wastewater and pollutants into Indiana waterways, according to federal court documents. Michael Materna, 56, owner of Materna Mint Farms, pled guilty in June 2011 to a Clean Water Act violation and was sentenced in October 2011 following an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

Prosecutors detailed that during the summer of 2010, Materna Mint Farms routinely discharged water heated to between 160 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit, along with traces of mint oil, into a roadside ditch. This ditch ultimately flowed into Robbins Ditch, a designated “water of the United States.” The discharge occurred repeatedly without obtaining the required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, a violation of federal environmental regulations.

The mint oil extraction process at Materna Mint Farms is a lucrative one, with each 55-gallon drum of extracted oil valued at over $10,000. The heated water was a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to extract the oil from harvested mint leaves. Rather than properly managing this wastewater, Materna knowingly allowed it to flow directly into the environment, potentially harming aquatic life and impacting water quality. Investigators found the practice to be a deliberate attempt to cut costs, bypassing the necessary infrastructure and permits for legal discharge.

The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division initiated the investigation after receiving information regarding the unauthorized discharges. Evidence gathered confirmed the consistent release of heated water and mint oil into the waterways, establishing a clear pattern of non-compliance with the Clean Water Act. The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal charges against individuals and businesses who prioritize profit over environmental protection.

Key Facts

Defendant: Michael Materna, doing business as Materna Mint Farms
Location: Walkerton, Indiana
Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants into waterways without a permit
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2) – Knowingly violating the Clean Water Act
Penalty: 24 months probation, $20,000 federal fine, 8 months of home detention, and requirement to obtain an NPDES permit.
Pollutant: Heated water (160-190°F) and mint oil
Waterway Impacted: Roadside ditch and Robbins Ditch

Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid prosecuted the case, securing the guilty plea and subsequent sentencing. Judge Jon DeGuilio presided over the sentencing, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the need for deterrence. Materna was also ordered to participate in the Location Monitoring Program, requiring home detention for eight months, and to apply for and adhere to an NPDES discharge permit moving forward. This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental regulations are not merely suggestions, but legally enforceable standards designed to protect the nation’s precious water resources.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments regarding Materna Mint Farms’ compliance with environmental regulations.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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