Thies Hoffmann, Clean Water Fraud, NC 2020

Kings Mountain, NC – A former employee of industrial catalyst regeneration company Cormetech has been sentenced for falsifying reports regarding wastewater discharge, violating federal environmental regulations. Thies Hoffmann, was sentenced to five years of probation on December 2, 2019, following an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice.

Cormetech, operating a facility in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, is permitted to discharge industrial wastewater into the city’s wastewater treatment system. However, this discharge is strictly regulated, with specific limits placed on both the volume of wastewater and the concentration of pollutants allowed. As part of their permit, Cormetech was required to submit monthly reports to the city detailing these metrics.

According to court documents, between 2014 and 2018, Hoffmann and other Cormetech staff knowingly submitted falsified reports to Kings Mountain. These reports misrepresented the actual volume of wastewater discharged and the total amount of pollutants contained within it. The scheme aimed to conceal violations of the facility’s discharge permit, potentially allowing Cormetech to exceed allowable pollutant levels without detection or penalty.

The EPA’s investigation revealed a pattern of deliberate misreporting, raising concerns about the potential environmental impact of the unmonitored discharge. While the exact ecological consequences remain unclear, the falsification of data undermines the integrity of the Clean Water Act and the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes. Experts suggest that exceeding pollutant limits can harm aquatic life and potentially impact drinking water sources.

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Legal Ramifications

Hoffmann was found guilty of violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2(A)) of the Clean Water Act. The latter statute addresses false reporting related to wastewater discharges. The sentence of five years probation serves as a deterrent for similar violations and underscores the federal government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws. While Hoffmann received probation, the case highlights the potential for significant penalties – including substantial fines and imprisonment – for individuals and companies who intentionally deceive regulators.

Key Facts

Defendant: Thies Hoffmann
Company: Cormetech (industrial catalyst regeneration)
Location: Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Years of Fraud: 2014 – 2018
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2(A)
Sentence: 5 years probation (imposed 02-DEC-19)
Crime: Falsifying wastewater discharge reports

The EPA continues to prioritize criminal enforcement of environmental regulations, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting and compliance with permit requirements. This case serves as a cautionary tale for industries operating under strict environmental guidelines, demonstrating that attempts to circumvent the law will be met with investigation and prosecution.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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