Patrick Neel, Illegal discharge of grease and wastewater into the sewer system, Arizona 2009

Phoenix, AZ – Patrick Neel, formerly a service manager at A-1 Restaurant Services, LLC, has been sentenced to a $55,000 fine and three years of probation for his role in an illegal dumping scheme that polluted the Phoenix-metropolitan area’s sewer system. The sentencing, handed down on March 6, 2017, concludes a case investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division.

Neel, responsible for overseeing A-1’s grease trap and interceptor cleaning operations, directed a company truck driver to illicitly discharge waste collected from restaurant grease traps into the interceptors of *other* restaurants. These interceptors were connected to local publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), but were not authorized discharge locations, effectively bypassing proper waste treatment protocols. The illegal dumping occurred between July 2008 and November 2009, a period during which Neel systematically instructed the driver to circumvent environmental regulations.

The scheme aimed to cut corners in waste disposal, avoiding the costs associated with legitimate disposal methods. By dumping grease and wastewater into other restaurants’ interceptors, A-1 and Neel attempted to conceal their improper practices and shift the burden of waste processing onto the POTWs and other businesses. This practice not only violated environmental laws but also risked overloading the sewer system, potentially leading to backups and environmental damage.

This case is particularly noteworthy as it follows a previous guilty plea from A-1 Restaurant Services, LLC itself. The company previously admitted to a negligent violation of the Clean Water Act and was sentenced to pay a $200,000 fine, serve a three-year probation period, and implement a comprehensive environmental compliance program. Neel’s sentencing represents the individual accountability component of the broader investigation, demonstrating that those directing illegal activity will also face legal consequences.

Key Facts

Defendant: Patrick Neel
Crime: Illegal discharge of grease and wastewater into the sewer system.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Years Active: 2008-2009
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. §§ 1317(d), 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
Penalty: $55,000 fine and three years of probation
Related Case: A-1 Restaurant Services, LLC previously pleaded guilty to a negligent Clean Water Act violation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding individuals accountable for polluting waterways. The EPA’s investigation highlighted the importance of proper waste management practices within the food service industry and the potential for significant environmental harm when those practices are ignored. GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect public health and the environment.

The specific charges against Neel fell under 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(2)(A) of the Clean Water Act, a felony offense. This section of the law addresses knowingly violating permit conditions or requirements related to wastewater discharges. Additionally, 33 U.S.C. § 1317(d) covers the knowing endangerment of a POTW, which was a direct consequence of the illegal dumping.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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