William B. Rhoad, Clean Water Act Violation, OH 2000

Zanesville, OH – A disturbing case of environmental deception unfolded in Muskingum County, Ohio, culminating in convictions for both individuals and the corporation responsible for managing the county’s wastewater treatment facilities. William B. Rhoad, along with his co-defendant and TCW Corp., were found to have systematically falsified reports regarding pollutant levels discharged into local waterways, a violation of federal environmental law.

The scheme, uncovered through investigation, revealed a pattern of false reporting concerning critical water quality indicators. Rhoad, acting as a representative of TCW Corp., allegedly submitted inaccurate data on levels of ammonia, fecal coliform bacteria, and other pollutants originating from Muskingum County’s six wastewater treatment plants. This deliberate misrepresentation concealed the true extent of environmental contamination, potentially endangering public health and the surrounding ecosystem.

The legal proceedings began on June 18, 1998, with Rhoad indicted on 35 counts of violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4)), specifically for making false statements. Shortly after, on September 4, 1998, a second indictment was brought against a co-defendant, Merckle, with 37 counts of similar violations. Both men eventually entered guilty pleas. Rhoad admitted guilt to all 35 counts on September 10, 1998, while Merckle pled guilty to 31 of the 37 charges against him on January 19, 1999.

Sentencing reflected the gravity of the offenses. On June 11, 1999, Rhoad received a 12-month sentence of supervised confinement, alongside a requirement to perform 384 hours of community service and pay a $2,000 special assessment fee. Merckle faced a significantly harsher penalty, receiving 27 months of incarceration, followed by 12 months of supervised probation. He was also ordered to pay a $1,750 special assessment and a $6,000 federal fine. The corporation, TCW Corp., was not exempt from prosecution. On November 10, 1999, TCW was charged with one count of making false statements, also under the Clean Water Act, and subsequently pled guilty. Their sentence, delivered on March 10, 2000, included a $400 special assessment and a substantial $50,000 federal fine.

Key Facts

Defendant(s): William B. Rhoad, Merckle, TCW Corp.
Location: Muskingum County, Ohio
Crime: Violations of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1) & 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4)) – False Reporting of Pollutant Levels
Penalties: Rhoad – 12 months supervised confinement, 384 hours community service, $2,000 fine. Merckle – 27 months incarceration, 12 months probation, $7,750 fine. TCW Corp. – $50,400 fine.
Timeline: Indictments began in June 1998, with sentencing concluding in March 2000.
The falsified reports concerned levels of ammonia, fecal coliform bacteria, and other pollutants.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accurate environmental reporting and the potential consequences for those who prioritize profit over public safety and environmental protection. The EPA’s criminal enforcement efforts, as demonstrated here, are crucial in upholding the integrity of environmental regulations and ensuring accountability for violations.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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