Lockport, NY – MRS Plating, a metal plating facility, and its waste manager have been brought to justice for illegally dumping hazardous materials into the city’s sewer system. The case, stemming from actions in the summer and fall of 1997, highlights a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and public safety, according to court documents.
Authorities allege that MRS Plating, under the direction of then-employee Jagielo, knowingly discharged toxic plating waste directly into the Lockport sewer system. This negligent act bypassed mandated wastewater treatment protocols designed to safeguard both the environment and the city’s infrastructure. The discharge contained hazardous substances commonly associated with metal plating operations, posing a significant threat to the Lockport Wastewater Treatment Plant and potentially, the surrounding waterways.
The investigation, which spanned nearly two years, culminated in charges being filed against both the company and Jagielo on May 25, 1999. Both defendants subsequently pled guilty to violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c), which addresses negligent violations leading to the discharge of pollutants.
Sentencing and Penalties
On April 18, 2000, MRS Plating received a sentence of 36 months probation. In addition to probation, the company was ordered to pay $30,421 in restitution to the City of Lockport Police Department and the City of Lockport Wastewater Treatment Plant, covering costs associated with cleanup and damages. A federal fine of $90,000 was also levied against MRS Plating. Jagielo, facing individual accountability, received a harsher penalty – a 12-month prison sentence followed by 12 months of probation, alongside a $4,000 federal fine.
Environmental Impact & Legal Ramifications
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of industrial pollution. The Lockport Wastewater Treatment Plant was forced to expend resources addressing the influx of hazardous materials, potentially impacting its ability to effectively treat other municipal wastewater. Experts suggest that such discharges can disrupt biological processes within the treatment plant and even lead to the release of untreated pollutants into local rivers and streams.
This case underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing the Clean Water Act and holding both corporations and individuals accountable for environmental crimes. The penalties imposed on MRS Plating and Jagielo are intended to deter future violations and protect the nation’s waterways from illegal pollution.
Key Facts
- Defendant: MRS Plating and Jagielo
- Location: Lockport, New York
- Year of Offense: 1997
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c) – Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act
- MRS Plating Penalty: 36 months probation, $30,421 restitution, $90,000 federal fine
- Jagielo Penalty: 12 months incarceration, 12 months probation, $4,000 federal fine
- Nature of Crime: Illegal discharge of hazardous plating waste into the municipal sewer system.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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