Omaha, NE – Patrick Keough, 59, of Seward, Nebraska, was sentenced to six months in federal prison on March 14, 2017, for repeatedly violating the Clean Air Act. The sentencing, handed down by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, marks the culmination of an investigation into Keough’s manufacturing business, America’s Fiberglass Animals (AFA), and its disregard for environmental regulations.
Keough, the owner of AFA, knowingly operated his fiberglass animal manufacturing business in both Shelton and Minden, Nebraska, without obtaining the necessary permits or installing required pollution control equipment. AFA utilizes gel coats and paints containing Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in its production process. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) determined that AFA’s operations necessitated both a construction permit *and* the installation of fabric filters to mitigate the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Despite NDEQ’s findings and repeated warnings, Keough continued to operate AFA in Shelton without adhering to environmental standards. In a further attempt to evade compliance, Keough relocated the business to Minden, Nebraska, *without* notifying the NDEQ or securing the required permits. The unlawful operation persisted in Minden, again lacking the essential fabric filters designed to capture dangerous emissions.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was spearheaded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region VII, with valuable assistance from the NDEQ. Investigators uncovered a pattern of deliberate non-compliance, demonstrating that Keough prioritized profit over public health and environmental safety. The EPA’s investigation focused on documenting the unpermitted emissions and the lack of necessary pollution control technology at both AFA locations.
Legal Ramifications
Keough was found guilty of violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) of the Clean Air Act, specifically pertaining to the operation of a source without a required permit and failure to install best available control technology. In addition to the six-month prison sentence, Keough will serve a one-year term of supervised release following his incarceration. This case serves as a stark reminder that intentional disregard for environmental laws carries significant legal consequences.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Patrick Keough
- Business: America’s Fiberglass Animals (AFA)
- Location: Shelton and Minden, Nebraska
- Crime: Clean Air Act Violations – Operating without permits and failing to install pollution control equipment.
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4)
- Sentence: Six months imprisonment, one year supervised release
- Investigating Agencies: US EPA Region VII, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ)
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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