Ogden City, UT – A portable restroom service driver was convicted earlier this year for illegally discharging sewage into a storm drain, a violation of Utah’s Water Quality Act. Oscar E. Sanchez-Valdivia, formerly employed by A Company Portable Restrooms, pleaded guilty to attempted unlawful discharge of pollutants in March 2019, stemming from an incident in December 2016.
According to court documents and witness testimony, Sanchez-Valdivia was operating two A Company Portable Restrooms trucks in Ogden on December 30, 2016. A witness observed one of the trucks positioned improperly, partially obstructing and over a storm drain. Shortly after, the witness discovered a significant amount of sewage and toilet paper surrounding the storm drain grate, directly linking the trucks to the illegal discharge.
Ogden City officials responded to the report and estimated the volume of sewage released into the storm drain to be between 400 and 500 gallons. The discharge represents a serious environmental concern, as untreated sewage can contaminate waterways, pose public health risks, and disrupt local ecosystems. The witness documented the scene with photographs, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
Legal Ramifications
Sanchez-Valdivia was charged with violating Utah’s Water Quality Act, specifically with Attempted Unlawful Discharge of Pollutants – a Class B misdemeanor. This charge carries potential penalties including jail time and fines. The specific statute violated is referenced as STATE, indicating a violation of Utah state law.
On March 27, 2019, Sanchez-Valdivia was convicted and sentenced to a six-month suspended jail sentence. This means the sentence is held in abeyance, contingent on good behavior and compliance with court-ordered conditions. He was also ordered to pay a criminal fine totaling $680. The suspended sentence and fine reflect the severity with which Utah authorities treat environmental crimes.
Investigation and Future Concerns
The case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting water resources and holding individuals accountable for environmental violations. While Sanchez-Valdivia was the driver identified at the scene, the investigation did not appear to extend to A Company Portable Restrooms itself. GrimyTimes is investigating whether the company had adequate procedures in place to prevent such incidents and whether this was an isolated occurrence. The incident raises questions about the oversight of waste disposal practices within the portable restroom industry and the potential for future illegal discharges.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Oscar E. Sanchez-Valdivia
- Location: Ogden, Utah
- Date of Incident: December 30, 2016
- Crime: Attempted Unlawful Discharge of Pollutants
- Estimated Discharge: 400-500 gallons of sewage
- Statute Violated: Utah Water Quality Act (STATE) – Class B Misdemeanor
- Penalty: 6-month suspended jail sentence, $680 fine
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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