Professional Mobile Cleaning, Inc., Environmental Crime, PA 2013

PITTSBURGH, PA – A New Jersey-based vehicle washing company has been sentenced after admitting to illegally dumping wastewater into waterways feeding the Monongahela River in Western Pennsylvania. Professional Mobile Cleaning, Inc. (PMC) pleaded guilty to violating federal environmental regulations and was ordered to pay a total of $500,000 in restitution, fines, and community service payments, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced last November.

PMC, contracted by the U.S. Postal Service to wash commercial vehicles, was responsible for containing and properly disposing of all wastewater generated during the cleaning process. However, between June 20, 2007, and June 20, 2010, the company demonstrably failed to meet this obligation. Investigators determined that wastewater effluent, containing soaps and solvents, was discharged into several tributaries that ultimately flowed into the Monongahela River, impacting water quality and potentially harming aquatic habitats.

The investigation, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, revealed a systemic failure by PMC to adhere to environmental protection protocols. According to David G. McLeod, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Pennsylvania, the company’s actions directly violated laws designed to safeguard both the environment and public health. “When vehicle wash water is improperly managed, soaps and solvents can degrade water quality and creek habitats,” McLeod stated.

Under the terms of a plea agreement, PMC agreed to pay $300,000 in restitution to the U.S. Postal Service to cover damages and costs associated with the illegal dumping. A $9,000 criminal fine was also levied. A significant portion of the penalty, $191,000, will be directed to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) for a community service project focused on addressing water quality issues, specifically total dissolved solids, within the Monongahela River watershed. This funding will be held in a restricted revenue account within the PFBC Fish Fund.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nelson P. Cohen prosecuted the case, highlighting the government’s commitment to pursuing environmental crimes vigorously. U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the EPA and the Postal Inspection Service for their diligent work in uncovering the violations and building a successful prosecution. The case serves as a stark reminder that companies entrusted with environmentally sensitive operations will be held accountable for their actions.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Professional Mobile Cleaning, Inc.
Crime: Illegal discharge of wastewater into waterways.
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 411 (Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act) and 33 U.S.C. 407 (Refuse Act, also known as the Rivers and Harbors Act).
Penalties: $300,000 restitution to USPS, $9,000 criminal fine, $191,000 to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for community service. Total penalty: $500,000.
Timeline: Illegal dumping occurred between June 20, 2007 and June 20, 2010. Guilty plea and sentencing on November 29, 2012.

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

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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