Norman Kent Walen, Pollution, IA 2003

Des Moines, IA – Former Barrett Plating employee Norman Kent Walen was sentenced in June 2003 following a guilty plea to a Clean Water Act (CWA) violation. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of knowingly discharging hazardous industrial waste into the city’s publicly owned treatment works (POTW), jeopardizing both the system’s functionality and potentially public health.

According to court documents, Walen, while employed at Barrett Plating, was aware that untreated plating waste – containing dangerous levels of zinc and chromium – was being illegally dumped into the Des Moines POTW specifically on weekends. This deliberate act bypassed mandated pre-treatment requirements designed to remove harmful pollutants before wastewater enters the municipal system. Investigators believe the weekend discharges were an attempt to avoid detection and scrutiny of regular monitoring procedures.

The EPA’s criminal enforcement investigation uncovered evidence suggesting Walen understood the potential consequences of his actions. The Clean Water Act is designed to protect the nation’s waterways and ensure the safe treatment of industrial discharge. The introduction of heavy metals like zinc and chromium can disrupt the biological processes within POTWs, reducing their effectiveness and potentially leading to the release of untreated contaminants into local rivers and streams. Furthermore, exposure to these substances can cause significant health problems.

Walen was formally charged on April 17, 2003, with one count of knowingly introducing pollutants into a sewer system in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(2)(B) of the Clean Water Act. This specific statute addresses the unlawful addition of pollutants that could cause personal injury or property damage. He subsequently entered a guilty plea, acknowledging his responsibility in the illegal discharges.

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Sentencing and Penalties

On June 11, 2003, Walen received a one-month incarceration sentence, followed by a 12-month probationary period. In addition to jail time, the court ordered Walen to pay a $5,000 federal fine and $27,913 in restitution. The restitution amount is intended to cover the costs incurred by the POTW in addressing the damage caused by the illegal dumping and restoring the system to proper working order. The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal penalties for those who intentionally violate environmental laws.

Key Facts

Defendant: Norman Kent Walen
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Year: 2003
Crime: Clean Water Act Violation
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(2)(B)
Pollutants: Zinc and Chromium
Penalties: 1 month incarceration, 12 months probation, $5,000 fine, $27,913 restitution

GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and provide updates as they develop.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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