Phillip Andrew Hazelwood, Environmental Fraud, North Carolina 2010

Long Creek, NC – Phillip Andrew Hazelwood, the former Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) of the Long Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), was sentenced to probation in March 2010 after admitting to falsifying data submitted to state environmental regulators. The case, investigated and prosecuted by North Carolina state authorities, highlights a concerning breach of public trust and potential environmental risk stemming from inaccurate reporting at a critical infrastructure facility.

According to court documents, Hazelwood intentionally falsified analytical data recorded on bench sheets used to compile Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). These DMRs, required by state law, are designed to track the quality of wastewater discharged from the Long Creek WWTP and ensure compliance with environmental standards. The falsification occurred in February 2009, raising questions about the accuracy of reporting for that period and potentially beyond.

The investigation into Hazelwood’s actions began after discrepancies were identified in the submitted DMRs. While the specific nature of the falsified data hasn’t been publicly detailed, experts confirm that accurate reporting of parameters like biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and fecal coliform levels is vital for protecting downstream water quality and public health. Deliberately skewing this data could have masked violations of permitted discharge limits.

On August 31, 2009, Hazelwood was formally indicted on two counts of violating North Carolina’s state environmental regulations. The indictment alleged that Hazelwood knowingly submitted false information with the intent to deceive the state’s environmental protection agency. After several months, on March 31, 2010, Hazelwood entered a guilty plea to both counts. The sentencing judge opted for a probationary sentence, imposing 24 months of supervised probation but foregoing any financial fines.

While a probationary sentence was handed down, the case underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and accountability within the wastewater treatment sector. The falsification of data not only undermines the integrity of the regulatory system but also potentially endangers the environment and public health. This incident is likely to prompt increased scrutiny of reporting procedures at other WWTPs across the state.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Phillip Andrew Hazelwood
Location: Long Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, North Carolina
Crime: Environmental Fraud (Falsification of DMR data)
Year: 2010
Statutes Violated: North Carolina State Environmental Regulations (specific citations unavailable)
Penalty: 24 months probation, no fine
DMRs: Discharge Monitoring Reports – required reports submitted to the state detailing wastewater discharge quality.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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