St. Louis, MO – Valentec International Corp. faced federal charges and ultimately pled guilty to negligent violations of the Clean Water Act in 1996, resulting in a $35,000 fine. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and pursued through the Department of Justice, revealed a pattern of exceeding permitted pollutant levels in wastewater discharged into the local sewer system.
According to court documents, Valentec negligently introduced excessive amounts of zinc into the publicly owned treatment works. This discharge surpassed the limits established by both federal pretreatment regulations and the company’s own industrial wastewater discharge permit. The illegal discharge posed a threat to the efficacy of the wastewater treatment plant and potentially to the receiving waters.
The EPA initiated the investigation following routine monitoring of industrial discharges in the St. Louis area. Elevated zinc levels triggered further scrutiny, leading to the discovery that Valentec had consistently failed to adhere to established environmental standards. Investigators determined the violations were not isolated incidents, but rather a result of operational negligence in managing industrial wastewater.
On November 15, 1995, Valentec was formally charged with two counts: one under 33 U.S.C. §1319(c)(2)(A) for negligent violation of the Clean Water Act, and another under 18 U.S.C. §1001 for making false statements. The latter charge stemmed from inaccurate reporting related to their wastewater discharge monitoring.
The company’s guilty plea, entered before the court, acknowledged their responsibility for the illegal discharges and the false reporting. The sentencing, handed down on March 21, 1996, included a $35,000 fine, intended to cover remediation costs and serve as a deterrent against future violations. While no imprisonment was levied, the case underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding companies accountable for polluting waterways.
This case highlights the importance of industrial facilities diligently monitoring and adhering to their wastewater discharge permits. Failure to do so not only endangers the environment but also carries significant legal and financial repercussions. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against polluters, ensuring compliance with the Clean Water Act and protecting the nation’s vital water resources.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Valentec International Corp.
- Location: Missouri
- Year: 1996
- Crime: Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act and False Statements
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. §1319(c)(2)(A), 18 U.S.C. §1001
- Pollutant: Zinc
- Penalty: $35,000 fine
- Plea: Guilty
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Jett Sentenced to 23 Months for Tax Evasion, Missouri, 2017… · Missouri
- No Defendant Found, No Crimes Committed, Kansas City MO, 2025 · Kansas
- FDIC Assembles New Banking Watchdogs, Washington D.C., 2023 · New York
- Raymond A. Schaefer, Making False Statements to a Financial Institu… · Missouri
- Brittany Aulden Barnes Sentenced to Prison for Tornado Scam and Ide… · Illinois
