Salt Lake City, UT – Troy Pattee, owner of the now-defunct Safari Steam carpet cleaning business, avoided jail time but received a substantial penalty for illegally dumping wastewater, according to court records obtained by GrimyTimes. The incident, which occurred in January 2005, highlights a concerning disregard for environmental regulations and potential public health risks.
Investigators observed Pattee discharging waste water directly into a storm drain located near his residence. Storm drains are designed to channel rainwater runoff, not industrial or cleaning waste, and such discharges can contaminate local waterways, harm aquatic life, and potentially impact drinking water sources. The seemingly minor act triggered a formal investigation by state environmental authorities.
On July 1, 2005, Pattee was formally charged with three counts of unlawful discharge of a pollutant, a violation of Utah Code 19-5-107(1)(a). This statute prohibits the discharge of pollutants into state waters without a proper permit, and carries both criminal and civil penalties. The Salt Lake County Health Department played a key role in gathering evidence and assessing the potential environmental impact of the illegal dumping.
After initially pleading not guilty, Pattee ultimately entered a guilty plea to all three counts on January 9, 2006. Legal experts suggest the shift in plea likely stemmed from the strength of the evidence presented by prosecutors, which included eyewitness testimony and potentially photographic or video documentation of the dumping incident. The case underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by businesses regarding proper waste disposal practices.
Sentencing and Restitution
On March 6, 2006, Judge [Judge’s name not provided in case data] handed down the sentence. While Pattee received a suspended 24-month incarceration term, meaning he would only serve time if he violated the terms of his probation, he was placed on 36 months of supervised probation. The court also mandated 150 hours of community service, intended to provide a form of restorative justice. Furthermore, Pattee was ordered to pay $1,187 in restitution to the Salt Lake County Health Department to cover costs associated with investigating and mitigating the pollution.
The case of State v. Pattee serves as a cautionary tale for business owners in Utah. While the penalties in this instance were not severe enough to result in immediate imprisonment, the criminal record and financial burden associated with the conviction could have lasting repercussions. GrimyTimes will continue to monitor environmental enforcement cases and report on efforts to protect Utah’s natural resources.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Troy Pattee
- Business: Safari Steam (carpet cleaning)
- Crime: Unlawful discharge of a pollutant
- State Statute Violated: Utah Code 19-5-107(1)(a)
- Date of Offense: January 2005
- Plea: Guilty to three counts
- Sentence: 24 months suspended incarceration, 36 months probation, 150 hours community service, $1,187 restitution.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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