Harvey, Louisiana – Oakmont Environmental, Inc. and its operator, Clifton P. Karr, were sentenced earlier this month for illegally discharging approximately 1.2 million gallons of oily wastewater directly into the Harvey Canal, a waterway connected to the Mississippi River. The offenses, occurring between September 2007 and March 2008, represent a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and a potential threat to both public health and the delicate Louisiana ecosystem.
According to court documents, Oakmont Environmental held a permit allowing wastewater discharge *only* after pretreatment to remove oil and other contaminants. The company was equipped with an oily water separator system intended to filter the waste before sending it to the Jefferson Parish sewerage treatment plant. However, investigators discovered Oakmont bypassed this system entirely, installing a hidden discharge hose to pump untreated, oily wastewater directly into the Harvey Canal. This practice avoided the costs associated with proper waste management and circumvented regulatory oversight.
Timeline of Events
The scheme came to light following an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). Charges were filed against Oakmont and Karr on August 31, 2011. Both defendants subsequently pled guilty in November 2011. On February 8, 2012, Oakmont Environmental was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 federal fine. Karr received the same probationary period, along with a $3,000 fine and a 30-day home detention requirement.
Crucially, Karr admitted during his plea that he was aware the facility lacked the necessary equipment for proper waste processing, a condition that existed since the previous owner’s tenure. He also acknowledged having no viable storage options for the untreated wastewater, leading to the decision to illegally discharge it into the canal. This admission highlights a pattern of negligence and intentional non-compliance, according to investigators.
Legal Ramifications
The actions of Oakmont Environmental and Karr violated the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), the latter covering knowing violations of the CWA. The CWA is a cornerstone of U.S. environmental law, designed to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. Violations can result in significant criminal and civil penalties.
Officials from the EPA, Coast Guard, and LDEQ lauded the successful prosecution as a demonstration of a unified commitment to environmental enforcement. Rear Admiral Roy A. Nash of the Coast Guard emphasized the importance of holding non-compliant companies accountable, while LDEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch underscored the “senseless” nature of the discharge and the importance of collaborative partnerships in protecting Louisiana’s waterways. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dorothy Manning Taylor prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Oakmont Environmental, Inc. and Clifton P. Karr
- Crime: Illegal discharge of approximately 1.2 million gallons of oily wastewater into the Harvey Canal.
- Location: Harvey, Louisiana
- Dates of Offense: September 2007 – March 2008
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) (Clean Water Act)
- Penalties: Oakmont – 3 years probation, $5,000 fine. Karr – 3 years probation, $3,000 fine, 30 days home detention.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by industrial polluters and the critical role of vigilant enforcement in safeguarding the environment for future generations. GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect our nation’s precious natural resources.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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