Phoenix, AZ – Patrick Neel, former 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 a widespread illegal dumping scheme that polluted the Phoenix-metropolitan area’s sewer system. The sentencing, handed down on March 6, 2017, concludes a case brought by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division.
Neel, responsible for overseeing A-1’s grease trap and interceptor cleaning operations, directed a company truck driver to illegally discharge waste collected from restaurants into the interceptors of *other* establishments. This practice, carried out between July 2008 and November 2009, circumvented proper waste disposal procedures and effectively used other restaurants’ systems as unauthorized dumping grounds. The discharged grease and wastewater then entered local Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), placing undue strain on the system and potentially causing overflows.
Investigators determined Neel specifically instructed the driver to avoid designated discharge points, deliberately choosing to offload the waste into interceptors not equipped to handle the additional load. This deliberate act of circumvention constitutes a serious violation of environmental regulations, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the integrity of the wastewater infrastructure and the environmental health of the community.
Corporate Accountability
This case isn’t the first time A-1 Restaurant Services has faced legal repercussions for its environmental practices. The company previously pleaded guilty 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. Sources close to the investigation suggest Neel’s actions were a key factor in prompting further scrutiny of the company’s waste management procedures.
Legal Ramifications
Neel pleaded guilty to a felony violation of the Clean Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. §§ 1317(d), 1319(c)(2)(A). This statute prohibits the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit, and specifically addresses the circumvention of permitted discharge requirements. The penalties reflect the severity of the offense and aim to deter similar violations in the future. The $55,000 fine, coupled with the three-year probation, will be closely monitored by federal authorities.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Patrick Neel
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Crime: Illegal dumping of grease and wastewater
- Dates of Offense: July 2008 – November 2009
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. §§ 1317(d), 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
- Penalty: $55,000 fine, three years probation
- Related Case: A-1 Restaurant Services, LLC previously pleaded guilty to a negligent CWA violation.
The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of the Clean Water Act, targeting individuals and companies who prioritize profit over environmental protection. This case serves as a stark reminder that illegal dumping carries significant legal and financial consequences.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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