Canton, OH – Olymco, Inc., a manufacturing company operating in Ohio, and its owner, have been penalized for knowingly discharging toxic industrial wastewater into local waterways, a violation of federal environmental law. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concluded with both the company and its president facing significant financial and criminal repercussions.
According to court documents, Olymco, Inc., under the direction of its President/Owner, knowingly discharged industrial wastewater containing dangerous levels of chromium, zinc, and nickel directly into a storm sewer system. This system ultimately feeds into Hurford Run and a network of creeks that flow into the Tuscarawas, Muskingum, and Ohio Rivers, potentially impacting drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems.
The EPA charged the defendants on February 19, 1997, with violating Section 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This specific statute addresses the knowing violation of CWA regulations concerning the discharge of pollutants from point sources. Olymco, Inc. quickly entered a guilty plea, acknowledging their responsibility for the illegal dumping.
Sentencing and Penalties
The sentencing, handed down by the court, reflected the severity of the environmental crime. Olymco, Inc. was sentenced to a 36-month probationary period and ordered to pay a total of $80,200 in fines and restitution. This included a $200 special assessment fee, $20,000 in restitution to the local municipality for damages incurred, and a $60,000 criminal fine.
The penalties extended to Sklavenitis, the company’s owner. He received a six-month prison sentence, followed by six months of home detention. He was also responsible for covering the expenses associated with his incarceration, calculated at $4.97 per day. In addition to the prison term, Sklavenitis was ordered to pay a $50 special assessment fee, $150 to Court Community Service, Inc. for administrative costs, and a substantial fine of $14,961.78.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Olymco, Inc. and Sklavenitis
- Crime: Illegal discharge of industrial wastewater containing chromium, zinc, and nickel.
- Location: Ohio
- Year: 1997
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
- Company Penalties: 36 months probation, $200 special assessment, $20,000 restitution, $60,000 fine.
- Owner Penalties: 6 months incarceration, 6 months home detention, daily incarceration expenses, $50 special assessment, $150 administrative fee, $14,961.78 fine.
This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry significant consequences, both for corporations and the individuals responsible for their actions. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of the Clean Water Act to protect the nation’s waterways and public health.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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