Arvada, CO – Rapid Wire, LLC, a Colorado-based directional drilling company, has been convicted of criminal pollution after illegally discharging fluids into a storm drain leading to Clear Creek in Arvada. The guilty plea, entered on March 7, 2022, in Jefferson County District Court, marks the culmination of an investigation triggered by a concerned citizen’s report.
According to court documents, on October 28, 2020, a resident observed trucks belonging to Rapid Wire discharging liquid along the Sheridan Boulevard frontage road. The discharge flowed directly into a storm drain connected to Clear Creek, a vital waterway in the region. This wasn’t an isolated incident; the city of Arvada’s stormwater administrator had previously issued a compliance advisory to Rapid Wire in November 2019 for similar illegal discharge in the same location, indicating a pattern of disregard for environmental regulations.
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office was notified by the Arvada stormwater administrator on November 5, 2020, initiating a probe into the allegations. Investigators determined that Rapid Wire was responsible for the unauthorized release of drilling fluids, a violation of state environmental laws. While specific statutes violated were not publicly detailed beyond a charge of “Criminal Pollution” (a Class 5 felony in Colorado), the act constitutes a serious offense with potential for significant environmental damage.
Penalties and Restrictions
As part of the plea agreement, Rapid Wire, LLC was ordered to forfeit its municipal general contractor license for the city of Arvada. This effectively bars the company from undertaking any work as a general contractor within city limits. While the company can reapply for a license in the future, approval is not guaranteed. Furthermore, Rapid Wire is permitted to operate *only* as a subcontractor, and must fully disclose its involvement – including scope of work – on any permit applications submitted by the primary licensed general contractor.
Financial Restitution and Donation
Beyond the license forfeiture, Rapid Wire was also mandated to provide financial restitution for the environmental impact of its actions. The company paid $2,747.40 to cover the costs associated with testing and cleanup of the affected dumping sites. Additionally, a $10,000 donation was made to the Colorado Watershed Assembly, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Colorado’s watersheds.
Looking Ahead
The case highlights the importance of both vigilant citizen reporting and stringent enforcement of environmental regulations. The severity of the penalties imposed on Rapid Wire, particularly the loss of its Arvada contracting license, sends a clear message that environmental crimes will not be tolerated. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any future developments.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Rapid Wire, LLC
- Crime: Criminal Pollution
- Location: Arvada, Colorado
- Year: 2022
- Statute Violated: Colorado Criminal Pollution (Class 5 Felony)
- Penalties: Forfeiture of Arvada municipal general contractor license, $2,747.40 in restitution, $10,000 donation to Colorado Watershed Assembly
- Initial Report: Citizen report of illegal discharge on October 28, 2020
- Previous Violation: Compliance advisory issued in November 2019 for similar illegal discharge.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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