Richard Placek, Sewage Pollution, OH 2003

Delaware County, OH – Richard Placek was sentenced to over a year in federal prison in December 2002 for illegally dumping sewage into a local creek, ultimately impacting the Olentangy River. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, highlights a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and public health.

Placek, contracted to provide maintenance at the Shroyer Mobile Home Park sewage treatment plant, knowingly bypassed the plant’s treatment processes. Instead of properly processing wastewater, he diverted raw or partially treated sewage directly into a nearby creek. This creek feeds into the Olentangy River, a vital waterway for the region.

The EPA’s investigation revealed a pattern of unauthorized discharges. Rather than addressing issues with the treatment plant, Placek opted for the cheaper, and illegal, solution of direct dumping. This practice not only violated environmental laws but also posed a significant risk of water contamination, potentially impacting aquatic life and recreational use of the river.

On November 13, 2001, Placek was formally charged with four counts of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), which addresses the knowing violation of effluent limitations and other CWA provisions. The charges stemmed from evidence collected indicating a deliberate attempt to circumvent established sewage treatment protocols.

Placek ultimately pled guilty to all four counts on April 8, 2002. The sentencing, handed down on December 18, 2002, included a 12-month and one-day prison sentence, followed by a 12-month probationary period. In addition to incarceration, Placek was ordered to pay a $400 special assessment fee, $2,500 in restitution to the Olentangy Watershed Alliance – a group dedicated to protecting the river’s health – and a federal fine totaling $6,000. The restitution aimed to offset damages caused by the pollution and support ongoing restoration efforts.

This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry significant consequences. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue individuals and entities who prioritize profit over environmental protection, ensuring accountability for those who endanger our waterways. The Olentangy River, while impacted by Placek’s actions, continues to be a focus of restoration and conservation efforts.

Key Facts

Defendant: Richard Placek
Location: Delaware County, Ohio
Crime: Illegal discharge of sewage, violating the Clean Water Act
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) & 33 U.S.C. 1311(a)
Sentence: 12 months and 1 day imprisonment, 12 months probation
Financial Penalties: $400 special assessment, $2,500 restitution, $6,000 fine
Impact: Pollution of a creek leading into the Olentangy River

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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