Memphis, TN – Professional Mobile Cleaning, Inc. (PMC) has been penalized for illegally discharging pollutants into the Mississippi River, a violation of federal environmental law. The case, originating from an incident in April 2003, culminated in a guilty plea and financial restitution totaling $225,000 in March 2005.
The environmental crime stemmed from PMC’s contract with the U.S. Postal Service to provide mobile vehicle washing services in several Southeastern states, including Tennessee and Georgia. PMC operated through an affiliate, Fleetwash, Inc. During a routine cleaning operation in Memphis, Tennessee, an equipment malfunction caused approximately 25,000 gallons of wash water and detergent to flow directly into a storm sewer, ultimately emptying into the Mississippi River. This discharge occurred without proper permits or safeguards, constituting a clear breach of environmental regulations.
Investigation and Charges
Federal authorities initiated an investigation following the unauthorized discharge. The investigation revealed that PMC failed to implement adequate procedures to prevent such incidents, despite the known potential for environmental harm. On February 25, 2005, PMC was formally charged with violating the federal Refuse Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. §407 of the Clean Water Act. This statute prohibits the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters of the United States without a permit.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Facing federal prosecution, PMC opted to plead guilty to the charge on March 1, 2005. The company was sentenced by the court to a $125 special assessment fee and a $1,000 federal fine. However, the financial penalties didn’t end there. In lieu of a potentially larger fine, PMC agreed to a comprehensive restitution plan, distributing $200,000 to various entities impacted by the pollution.
Restitution Details
The $200,000 restitution was allocated as follows: $140,000 was directed to the U.S. Postal Service, acknowledging the disruption and potential damages to their fleet. An additional $20,000 each was designated for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office – covering environmental remediation efforts, investigative costs, and legal fees incurred by the state. The incident underscores the importance of responsible waste management practices, especially for companies operating large-scale cleaning services.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Professional Mobile Cleaning, Inc.
- Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants into the Mississippi River
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee
- Date of Incident: April 2, 2003
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. §407 (Clean Water Act / Refuse Act)
- Penalties: $1,125 in fines and $200,000 in restitution
- Restitution Recipients: U.S. Postal Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on corporate accountability for pollution violations.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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