Robert Joseph Marshall, Pollution, Indiana 2000

Gary, Indiana – Robert Joseph Marshall, owner of Master Circuits, was sentenced in March 2000 following a guilty plea to violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The case, stemming from a routine inspection, revealed Marshall actively attempting to circumvent federal environmental regulations by illegally discharging pollutants into the local wastewater system.

The investigation began when an EPA inspector observed Marshall carrying buckets of water from a nearby residence and pouring a distinctly blue-colored liquid down a drain at the Master Circuits facility. The inspector immediately suspected Marshall was attempting to dilute an unknown substance before it entered the public sewer system, a clear violation of established pretreatment standards designed to protect wastewater treatment plants and the environment.

According to court documents, Marshall was charged with knowingly violating provisions of the Clean Water Act. Specifically, the charges included 33 U.S.C. 1317(d), which prohibits violating toxic and pretreatment effluent standards, and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), covering knowing violations of the CWA. The diluted substance’s exact composition remains undisclosed in public records, but the act of dilution itself constitutes a serious offense under federal law.

The incident highlights a concerning pattern of industrial non-compliance. Environmental Protection Agency officials emphasize the importance of adhering to pretreatment standards, which are in place to prevent harmful pollutants from interfering with the operation of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs). Such interference can lead to costly repairs, environmental damage, and potential health risks for the surrounding community.

On March 19, 2000, Marshall pled guilty to the charges. Judge [Name of Judge not provided in data] handed down a sentence of five months incarceration, followed by five months of home detention, and seven months of supervised release. In addition to the custodial sentence, Marshall was ordered to pay a $5,000 federal fine. The relatively light sentence has drawn some criticism from environmental advocacy groups, who argue that stronger penalties are needed to deter future violations.

This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry significant legal consequences. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of the Clean Water Act, working to hold individuals and companies accountable for actions that threaten the nation’s waterways. Further investigation into the specific pollutants discharged by Master Circuits remains inconclusive based on available data.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Robert Joseph Marshall
• Location: Indiana
• Year: 2000
• Charges: Violations of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1317(d) & 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A))
• Sentence: 5 months incarceration, 5 months home detention, 7 months supervised release, $5,000 fine.
• Violation: Illegally diluting and discharging an unknown pollutant into the sewer system.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Source: https://echo.epa.gov/enforcement-case-report?case_id=CR_1059