New York Bus Service, Water Pollution, NY 1991

New York, NY – New York Bus Service was slapped with a $25,000 fine earlier this year after pleading guilty to illegally discharging pollutants into U.S. waters, according to records filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The misdemeanor violation of the Clean Water Act highlights ongoing concerns about industrial practices and their impact on the nation’s waterways.

The incident, which came to light in February 1991, involved the unauthorized release of ethylene glycol – commonly known as antifreeze – from a point source operated by New York Bus Service. The discharge occurred without the necessary permits required under federal law, constituting a direct violation of environmental regulations designed to protect water quality.

Federal prosecutors argued that the discharge posed a potential threat to aquatic life and the broader ecosystem. While the exact quantity of antifreeze released hasn’t been publicly detailed, even small amounts of ethylene glycol can be highly toxic to fish and other organisms. The EPA’s criminal enforcement division pursued the case, emphasizing the importance of holding companies accountable for environmental negligence.

The company entered a guilty plea on February 27, 1991, admitting to the unlawful discharge. The sentencing, handed down on May 29, 1991, included a $25,000 fine, intended to serve as both a punitive measure and a deterrent to similar offenses. Legal experts suggest that while the fine may seem modest by today’s standards, it represented a significant penalty in 1991 and sent a clear message that environmental violations would not be tolerated.

This case underscores the critical role of the Clean Water Act in safeguarding the nation’s rivers, lakes, and streams. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against companies that flout environmental regulations, focusing on preventing pollution at its source and ensuring responsible waste management practices. The agency’s commitment to criminal enforcement aims to deter future violations and protect public health and the environment.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: New York Bus Service
Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants (ethylene glycol) into U.S. waters
State: New York
Year: 1991
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Clean Water Act
Penalty: $25,000 fine
Pollutant: Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze)

GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and provide updates on enforcement actions taken by the EPA and other agencies.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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