Peter Hedegard, Pollution, WA 1986

Seattle, WA – Peter Hedegard, former president of an industrial cleaning product manufacturer, was sentenced in January 1986 after pleading guilty to illegally discharging pollutants into the Duwamish River. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a deliberate ten-day dumping operation that jeopardized the waterway and surrounding ecosystem.

According to court documents, Hedegard, along with Vice President Myers, authorized the discharge of a cocktail of industrial waste directly into a hidden pipe connected to the Seattle storm sewer system. This illicit outflow included soaps, detergents, caustic alkali, acids, waxes, dyes, and a dangerous mixture of solvent materials. Specifically identified pollutants included alcohol, butyl carbitol (diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), xylene, and mineral spirits – all known to be harmful to aquatic life and potentially human health.

The EPA’s investigation, which began in late 1985, uncovered a calculated effort to circumvent environmental regulations. Instead of properly treating and disposing of manufacturing byproducts, Hedegard and Myers opted for a clandestine discharge, avoiding the costs associated with compliant waste management. The hidden pipe was specifically designed to conceal the illegal activity, suggesting a premeditated intent to violate federal law.

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Legal Ramifications

On December 9, 1985, a two-count information was filed, charging the company with discharging pollutants without a permit, a violation of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1311 and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)). Hedegard and Myers were each charged with the same Clean Water Act violations, as well as a misdemeanor count of conspiracy to violate the Act (18 U.S.C. 371). The charges stemmed from their direct involvement in authorizing and overseeing the illegal discharge.

Sentencing and Penalties

Following guilty pleas on December 11, 1985, the court handed down a multi-faceted sentence on January 16, 1986. The company was fined $100,000, with $70,000 suspended, contingent upon investing in approved environmental or conservation programs. Hedegard and Myers each received a 12-month prison sentence, though all but five days were suspended. They were also placed on 36 months of probation, ordered to pay a $25,000 fine (with $20,000 suspended), and complete 300 hours of community service.

Key Facts

Defendant: Peter Hedegard (and Vice President Myers)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Year: 1986
Crime: Illegal discharge of industrial pollutants into the Duwamish River
Pollutants: Soaps, detergents, acids, solvents (including alcohol, butyl carbitol, xylene, and mineral spirits)
Laws Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1), 18 U.S.C. 371
Penalties: $100,000 company fine, 12 months suspended incarceration, probation, fines, and community service for Hedegard and Myers.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for prioritizing profit over environmental responsibility. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue polluters, ensuring that those who damage our waterways are held accountable for their actions. The Duwamish River, a vital resource for the Seattle area, remains under ongoing restoration efforts following decades of industrial contamination.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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