Stephen Fritz, Falsifying Water Quality Reports, Pennsylvania 2017

Buckingham, PA – Stephen Fritz was sentenced to three years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine last week for his role in a widespread scheme to falsify water quality reports at two Pennsylvania facilities, the Department of Justice announced. The case, originating in 2017, reveals a deliberate effort to deceive environmental regulators and the public regarding the discharge of pollutants into local waterways.

The investigation centered around MAB Environmental Services, Inc., a company contracted to operate wastewater treatment plants for BC Natural Chicken and Buckingham Valley Nursing Center. Both facilities held permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) allowing them to discharge treated wastewater, but these permits contained strict limits on pollutant levels and mandated regular testing and reporting of results. According to court documents, MAB’s owner, Matthew Brozena, directed employees to manipulate the system.

Prosecutors detailed how Brozena instructed employees – including Fritz, James Wetzel, and James Crafton – to discard samples when test results indicated potential violations of permit limits. When discarding wasn’t an option, employees were allegedly directed to fabricate results, submitting false data to the PADEP. This ensured the facilities appeared compliant, while potentially harmful pollutants were released into the environment unchecked. The scheme aimed to avoid costly upgrades and potential penalties for non-compliance.

The fallout from the investigation has been significant. Brozena received three years of probation, six months of home confinement, and a $100,000 criminal fine. MAB Environmental Services, Inc. was sentenced to five years of probation and a $50,000 fine. Crafton received three years of probation and a $5,000 fine, while Wetzel was sentenced to two years probation and a $1,000 fine. Fritz’s sentence, while less severe, underscores the complicity of multiple individuals in the fraudulent activity.

Legal Ramifications

The defendants were found to have violated several provisions of the Clean Water Act, specifically:

• 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – False statements in reporting required by the Act.
• 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Knowingly making false statements or representations in any record or report required by the Act.
• 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4) – Tampering with monitoring methods or equipment.

These violations carry significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of endangering water quality and public health.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Stephen Fritz
• Company Involved: MAB Environmental Services, Inc.
• Facilities: BC Natural Chicken & Buckingham Valley Nursing Center
• Crime: Falsifying water quality reports under the Clean Water Act
• Location: Pennsylvania
• Year: 2017
• Penalties for Fritz: 3 years probation, 100 hrs community service, $1,000 fine
• Special Condition for Brozena: Must publish article detailing misconduct & barred from signing government documents related to wastewater operations.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of environmental compliance and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over public safety. GrimyTimes will continue to follow any further developments in this case and report on similar instances of environmental crime.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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