https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/former-owner-american-waste-inc-sentenced-18-months-imprisonment-illegal-dumping

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 12, 2016

Former Owner of American Waste, Inc. Sentenced to 18 Months Imprisonment for Illegal Dumping

Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Timothy Howard, age 51, of Greer, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court in Anderson, South Carolina, for Violating Pretreatment Standards of the Clean Water Act, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1317 and 1319. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Howard to 18 months imprisonment, a $10,000.00 fine, and 1 year of supervised release.

Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that April 2, 2011, and June 18, 2013, Howard illegally dumped waste at unauthorized locations connected to the Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) and Town of Lyman Sewage Systems, respectively. Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing also established that during the course of the investigation, Howard made false statements to local law enforcement and submitted hauling log records to DHEC which omitted over 85% of his septage handling activities, thereby obstructing the investigation.

"Intentional acts by rogue septic haulers pose serious risks to the health of our community and environment. Those who operate within this industry must adhere to the regulations and laws for which they are permitted," said Andy Castro, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Atlanta, Georgia. “EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to the protection of public health and will continue to pursue those who blatantly undermine those efforts.” Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated, "The United States Attorney's Office prioritizes environmental cases in an effort to protect our citizens and natural resources and deter future wrongdoers. Environmental crimes have a serious cost for our society, especially in cases such as this where public facilities bear the brunt of the harm. I ask that you report any violations to the EPA at (800)241-1754 or http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/report-environmental-violations."

The case was investigated by agents of the Environmental Protection Agency, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Lyman Police Department, and Duncan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

• Clean Water Act (CWA)