Seattle, WA – Sea Gleaner Marine, Inc., a Washington-based marine services company, and its Chief Operating Officer, identified as Schwitters, were convicted in 1986 of violating the Clean Water Act after illegally discharging pollutants into Lake Union. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the ongoing struggle to protect vital waterways from industrial contamination.
According to court documents filed on May 8, 1986, Sea Gleaner Marine was accused of discharging spent abrasive blasting grit and paint particles directly into Lake Union without obtaining the required permits. The EPA alleged that these discharges constituted a significant threat to aquatic life and water quality, violating federal regulations designed to maintain the integrity of U.S. waterways. The charges stemmed from unauthorized activities conducted by the company during its marine operations.
The case proceeded to trial, where a jury found both the corporation and Schwitters guilty on three counts of discharging pollutants in violation of the Clean Water Act. Specifically, the defendants were found to have violated Sections 301(a) and 309(c)(1) of the Act, codified as 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1). These sections of the Clean Water Act prohibit the discharge of pollutants from a point source into navigable waters of the United States without a permit, and impose penalties for knowingly violating these regulations.
On October 6, 1986, sentencing was handed down by the court. Sea Gleaner Marine, Inc. was ordered to pay a $60,000 fine, with $30,000 suspended, and was placed on probation for five years. Additionally, the company was assessed a $300 penalty to be directed towards the Crime Victim’s Fund. Schwitters, as the company’s COO, received a $15,000 fine, with $10,000 suspended, and a 12-month probationary period, along with a $75 assessment for the Crime Victim’s Fund.
Environmental advocates at the time lauded the conviction as a win for clean water protection, demonstrating that companies and individuals responsible for polluting waterways would be held accountable. However, some criticized the suspended fines as lenient, arguing that a stronger financial penalty would serve as a more effective deterrent against future violations. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of the Clean Water Act, conducting regular inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
The Sea Gleaner Marine case serves as a stark reminder of the potential environmental consequences of unchecked industrial activity and the importance of adhering to established environmental safeguards. The incident underscores the need for diligent oversight and robust enforcement mechanisms to protect valuable ecosystems like Lake Union from pollution.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Sea Gleaner Marine, Inc. and Schwitters (COO)
- Location: Lake Union, Washington
- Year: 1987 (conviction in 1986)
- Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants (spent abrasive blasting grit & paint)
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) & 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1) – Clean Water Act
- Penalties: Sea Gleaner Marine – $60,000 fine ($30,000 suspended), 5 years probation, $300 to Crime Victim’s Fund. Schwitters – $15,000 fine ($10,000 suspended), 1 year probation, $75 to Crime Victim’s Fund.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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