Hammond, IN – A years-long scheme to illegally dump industrial waste into the Hammond Sanitary District’s system has resulted in significant penalties for Ron Holmes, owner of NH Environmental Group, Inc. (also known as Tierra), and several of his associates. The case, prosecuted under the Clean Water Act, highlights a deliberate attempt to circumvent environmental regulations and avoid disposal costs, ultimately impacting the city’s wastewater treatment infrastructure.
According to court documents, between January and June 2008, Holmes directed Tierra drivers to illegally dispose of liquid industrial wastes by discharging tanker truckloads down a drain at a building he owned or controlled in Hammond, Indiana. Instead of properly treating and disposing of the waste, Tierra employees were instructed to divert the harmful materials into the publicly owned treatment works (POTW) without authorization. This practice continued for months, bypassing necessary permitting and pretreatment standards.
The scheme unraveled following an investigation by federal authorities. On November 3, 2011, Holmes and NH Environmental were formally charged with violating 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(2)(A), a section of the Clean Water Act prohibiting the discharge of pollutants without a permit. Both Holmes and the company eventually pleaded guilty to the charges on November 26, 2013.
Sentencing and Restitution
Chief Judge Philip Simon handed down the sentences on March 14, 2014. Holmes received 4 years of probation, a $30,000 fine, and was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. NH Environmental Group, Inc. faced a $70,000 fine, along with $75,000 in restitution to the City of Hammond and an additional $25,000 in restitution to the Hammond Sanitary District. The restitution aims to cover the costs associated with addressing the damage caused by the illegal dumping.
The investigation extended beyond Holmes and Tierra. Thomas Grad was sentenced on May 22, 2014, to a $1,000 fine and a year of probation, while Stewart Roth received a $4,000 fine and a two-year probation term, both also pleading guilty to felony Clean Water Act violations. These additional convictions demonstrate the scope of the conspiracy and the involvement of multiple individuals within the company.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Ron Holmes and NH Environmental Group, Inc.
- Crime: Illegal discharge of industrial waste into a publicly owned treatment works
- Location: Hammond, Indiana
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act
- Penalties: Holmes – 4 years probation, $30,000 fine, 100 hours community service. NH Environmental – 4 years probation, $70,000 fine, $100,000 restitution.
- Timeline: Illegal dumping occurred between January-June 2008. Charges filed Nov 3, 2011. Sentencings completed by May 22, 2014.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of environmental crimes and the EPA’s commitment to enforcing regulations designed to protect our waterways. The financial penalties and community service imposed on Holmes and his company are intended to deter future violations and ensure accountability for those who prioritize profit over environmental responsibility.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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