Ronald E. Greenwood, Pollution Crime, SD 1997

SIOUX FALLS, SD – In a case highlighting the deliberate disregard for environmental regulations, Ronald E. Greenwood and several co-defendants faced federal charges in 1997 for illegally discharging pollutants into the Big Sioux River and subsequently falsifying reports to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The scheme, uncovered through EPA investigation, revealed a systematic effort to conceal violations of the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The initial charges, filed January 6, 1995, accused Greenwood and another individual, Milbauer, of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA) and engaging in a conspiracy to do so. Both pled guilty to the CWA counts, while the conspiracy charge was ultimately dismissed. Further investigation led to indictments against Sinskey and Kumm on February 9, 1996, alleging a broader conspiracy and 29 separate violations of the CWA, encompassing both knowingly discharging pollutants and submitting false statements.

The corporate entity involved was also brought to justice, facing charges on February 7, 1996, including one count of conspiracy and five counts of violating the Clean Water Act. The company ultimately pled guilty to all counts, admitting to a pattern of environmental misconduct. The prosecution demonstrated that the falsified reports were intended to mislead the EPA regarding the true extent of the pollutant discharge, hindering oversight and potentially endangering public health and the river’s ecosystem.

The legal repercussions were significant. On May 28, 1996, the company was sentenced to a hefty $3 million fine, with $1 million earmarked for a local clean-up fund designed to mitigate the damage caused by the illegal discharges. Individual sentences followed, with Sinskey receiving a 24-month prison sentence, 24 months of probation, and a $5,600 fine. Kumm received a six-month prison sentence, 12 months probation, and a $10,000 fine. Greenwood received a six-month prison sentence, 12 months probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $6,000 fine. Milbauer was sentenced to six months imprisonment, 12 months probation and a $4,000 fine.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Ronald E. Greenwood, along with Sinskey, Kumm, and Milbauer
Location: Big Sioux River, South Dakota
Years Active: 1995-1996
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(a) & 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1) & (c)(4) (Clean Water Act violations – knowingly violating permit and submitting false statements)
Penalties: Fines totaling $3 million for the company, and prison sentences ranging from six months to two years for individuals, along with probation and community service.
Impact: Significant environmental damage to the Big Sioux River and a substantial financial penalty for those responsible.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases, holding polluters accountable and highlighting the importance of protecting our natural resources. This case serves as a stark reminder that falsifying environmental reports and illegally discharging pollutants are serious federal offenses with severe consequences.

The investigation and prosecution of this case underscore the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring compliance with regulations designed to safeguard water quality. The substantial fines and prison sentences levied against the defendants are intended to deter future violations and promote responsible environmental stewardship.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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