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FISCAL YEAR: 2010
1. PRINCIPAL DEFENDANT: Atticus Scott Gee
S.D. California 09-CR-4121-BTM
S.D. California 09-CR-4121-BTM
Atticus Gee was sentenced on May 12, 2010, to two years of probation for tampering with a monitoring method. Gee was employed as a technician by a company under contract with the San Diego County Department of Public Works to monitor the methane, nitrogen and oxygen content of the emissions from closed landfills in the area. In November 2004, Gee rendered inaccurate a monitoring method required to be maintained or followed under the Clean Air Act by failing to conduct actual emissions monitoring and instead copying data from his computer database, according to the indictment.
Gee pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in the southern district of California. Between October 2004 and May 2007, Gee was responsible for taking readings of landfills’ methane emissions. When landfills reach full capacity, they can be covered with earth and other substances and methane extraction vents are installed to prevent underground fires. An underground fire was discovered at the Palomar Airport Landfill in September 2005, although no unusual readings had been reported in the monitoring data from the methane extraction wells and migration probes at that location, according to the indictment.
November 12, 2009
Gee was indicted on three counts - one count each - making false statements, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001; mail fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1341 and violating the CAA {42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(C) - falsifies, tampers with, renders inaccurate, or fails to install any monitoring device or method required to be maintained or followed under this chapter.
CITATION: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 18 U.S.C. 1341, 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(C)
February 18, 2010
Gee pled guilty to one count of knowingly rendering inaccurate a monitoring device or method required by CAA.
May 14, 2010
Gee was sentenced to 24 months probation, ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, and pay a $100 special assessment. No fine was imposed.
STATUTE:
- Clean Air Act (CAA)