Montrose, CO – William Donald Walker, owner and operator of Root Master, a septic and grease hauling business, was sentenced in September 2007 after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from the illegal dumping of grease trap waste into a Colorado storm drain. The incident, which occurred on two separate occasions in 2003, resulted in the contamination of Dry Cedar Creek and ultimately, the Uncompahgre River – both considered “waters of the United States” under federal law.
According to court documents, Walker collected grease trap waste from a McDonald’s restaurant in Montrose on June 1st and September 30th, 2003. Instead of properly disposing of the waste at an authorized facility, Walker drove his pump truck to a location behind a Wal-Mart Supercenter. There, he connected a hose from his truck to a nearby storm sewer manhole and discharged the untreated grease trap waste directly into the system.
The storm sewer system is designed to carry rainwater runoff, not industrial or commercial waste. The discharge of grease trap waste bypassed all wastewater treatment processes, allowing the pollutants to flow directly into Dry Cedar Creek. From there, the contaminated water flowed into the Uncompahgre River, potentially harming aquatic life and impacting downstream water quality. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) spearheaded the investigation, uncovering the deliberate nature of Walker’s actions.
Legal Ramifications
Walker was initially charged on February 5th, 2007, with two counts of negligently violating the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A). This section of the CWA addresses negligent violations that place pollutants into navigable waters. He entered a guilty plea to both counts just two days later, on February 7th, 2007. The prosecution successfully argued that Walker knowingly disregarded environmental regulations in favor of cutting disposal costs.
Sentencing and Penalties
On September 6th, 2007, Walker received a sentence of 10 months incarceration for each of the two counts, to be served concurrently. In addition to the prison term, he was placed on 12 months of probation following his release. Judge Marcia S. Krieger also ordered Walker to pay a $50 special assessment fee and a substantial federal fine of $20,000. The sentence serves as a stark warning to others considering similar illegal dumping practices.
Key Facts
- Defendant: William Donald Walker
- Business: Root Master (septic/grease hauling)
- Location: Montrose, Colorado
- Dates of Offense: June 1 & September 30, 2003
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act
- Discharge Point: Storm sewer leading to Dry Cedar Creek & Uncompahgre River
- Penalties: 10 months incarceration (concurrent), 12 months probation, $20,000 fine, $50 special assessment
GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and report on those who put profit ahead of public health and ecological integrity.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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