Stephen Fritz, Water Quality Report Falsification, Pennsylvania 2017

Lancaster, PA – Stephen Fritz was sentenced to three years probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine last week, concluding his involvement in a widespread scheme to falsify water quality reports at two Pennsylvania facilities. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, reveals a deliberate effort to conceal pollution violations from both regulators and the public.

The fraudulent activity centered around MAB Environmental Services, Inc., a company contracted to operate wastewater treatment plants for BC Natural Chicken and Buckingham Valley Nursing Center. According to court documents, MAB’s owner, Matthew Brozena, directed employees – including Fritz, James Wetzel, and James Crafton – to discard water samples that indicated permit violations. These permits, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), established strict limits on the amount of pollutants allowed in discharged wastewater.

Instead of addressing the issues causing the exceedances, Brozena allegedly instructed his team to falsely report test results, creating the illusion of compliance. The falsified reports were submitted to PADEP, effectively shielding BC Natural Chicken and Buckingham Valley Nursing Center from potential enforcement actions. Investigators determined that the scheme spanned a significant period, putting the health of nearby waterways and potentially the surrounding communities at risk.

The EPA’s investigation uncovered a systematic pattern of misconduct. Employees were routinely told to manipulate data, and Fritz, along with others, knowingly participated in the deception. While Fritz received a relatively lenient sentence compared to Brozena, the conviction highlights the seriousness of environmental crimes and the agency’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions. The case underscores the critical importance of accurate reporting in maintaining environmental safeguards.

Brozena faced the most severe penalties, receiving three years of probation, six months of home confinement, and a $100,000 criminal fine. He was also barred from signing any government documents related to wastewater operations and ordered to publish an article in a trade journal detailing his misconduct. MAB Environmental Services, Inc. was sentenced to five years probation and a $50,000 fine. James Crafton received three years probation and a $5,000 fine, while James Wetzel was sentenced to two years probation and a $1,000 fine.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Stephen Fritz
Location: Pennsylvania
Year: 2017
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), 33 U.S.C 1319(c)(1)(A), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4) – violations of the Clean Water Act.
Penalties: Three years probation, 100 hours of community service, $1,000 fine.
Co-conspirators: Matthew Brozena (owner of MAB Environmental Services, Inc.), James Wetzel, and James Crafton.
Scheme: Falsifying wastewater discharge reports to conceal permit violations at BC Natural Chicken and Buckingham Valley Nursing Center.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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