Decatur, TN – Earl Wayne Price, former Chief Operator of the City of Decatur’s sewage treatment plant (STP), was sentenced in March 2007 following a guilty plea to charges of falsifying data submitted to state environmental regulators. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, revealed a deliberate attempt to mislead authorities regarding the plant’s wastewater discharge quality.
According to court documents, Price, responsible for ensuring the Decatur STP adhered to the terms of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), systematically submitted fabricated monitoring reports. Instead of conducting the required wastewater analyses, Price allegedly entered fictitious data, creating the illusion of compliance with Clean Water Act standards.
The deception came to light during routine oversight by TDEC, which identified discrepancies in the submitted reports. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division launched a full investigation, confirming that Price knowingly and willfully provided false information. This wasn’t merely a clerical error; investigators determined Price intentionally circumvented the required testing procedures to avoid potential scrutiny and associated costs.
The falsified reports directly impact the integrity of environmental monitoring programs designed to protect the Tennessee River and public health. Accurate data is crucial for assessing water quality, identifying pollution sources, and ensuring the effectiveness of wastewater treatment facilities. Price’s actions undermined these safeguards and potentially exposed the river to undetected pollutants.
Legal Ramifications
Price was charged with violating 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4) of the Clean Water Act, specifically the provision prohibiting the making of false statements in reports required by the Act. On March 19, 2007, he pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 12 months probation. In addition to probation, Price was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service and pay a $100 special assessment fee. While the sentence appears relatively lenient, federal authorities emphasize that such cases are intended to deter others from similar misconduct.
The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of environmental laws, particularly those concerning water quality. This case serves as a reminder that individuals responsible for operating critical infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment plants, will be held accountable for knowingly violating regulations and endangering the environment.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Earl Wayne Price
- Location: Decatur, Tennessee
- Year: 2007
- Crime: Falsifying Clean Water Act monitoring reports
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4)
- Penalty: 12 months probation, 50 hours community service, $100 assessment
- Agency Involved: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Victim: Tennessee River & Public Health
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Wayne Price, Clean Water Fraud, TN 2007 · Tennessee
- No Defendant Names Found, Investment Fraud, HI, 2023 · Maryland
- Robert Andres Admits $72M Investment Fraud, SALT LAKE CITY UT, 2023 · Tennessee
- Vero Beach Mortgage Fraud Scheme, Florida 2009 · Florida
- Earl Lafayette Hall III, Mail Fraud, TN 2023 · Hawaii
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime