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9/3/2025
WT Staff
 Knowledge of an environmental crime? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email info@wtla.us
Sep 3, 2025 1001 am CDT
SDWA CrimeBox
Historic Conviction Fiscal Year 2013; Case ID# CR_2487(New York)
Zero Discharge permit violated, metal manufacturer convicted for toxics discharged to Lake Ontario
The Principal Defendant in this case is a business engaged in metal plating and finishing, including the manufacture of metal powders. Also charged in the case was the General Manager, the individual responsible for industrial operations at the Webster, NY facility. Webster is a Town situated in Monroe County east of Rochester, along the south shore of Lake Ontario.
The industrial process carried out by the defendants involves the non-metallic chemical element phosphorus, along with heavy metal chromium (not the web browser). According to Chemistry Learner, "Chromium is a silvery-gray metal ...highly valued for its hardness and corrosion resistance...mainly used in stainless steel, chrome plating, and catalysts...toxic to humans at high levels."
The defendant's day-to-day business involves treating metal components with a corrosion-resistant coating. Metal pieces are dipped into liquid solutions containing various chemicals, followed by a dip in cleaning product and a final rinse ahead of the painting bay. The liquids tanks are connected by a drain system leading to a holding pit, where the hazardous liquid cocktail was to be stored for future disposal by licensed hazardous materials handlers.
Investigators found the hazmat holding pit emptied by a submerged pump to an outside sewer line connected to the Town of Webster wastewater treatment plant. As with most publicly-owned treatment works (POTW), Webster is set up to receive and treat only the standard municipal sewage. From Webster, the treated wastewater stream (effluent) was released into Lake Ontario.
The metal finishing business operated under a Zero Discharge permit issued by the Town of Webster. Under the terms of this permit, all produced industrial wastewater was to be treated in specialized facilities equipped to handle the toxic components. Not an ounce of this material was to be sent to the local POTW. In spite of the Zero Discharge permit terms, the Federal District Court learned the defendants had routinely released industrial process water to the Webster POTW.
The defendants plead guilty to illegal discharges impacting Lake Ontario, a navigable waterway of the USA in violation of the Clean Water Act. Sentencing was set at a $10,000 fine and 3 years probation for the corporation, $4,000 fine, 3 years probation and 80 hours community service for the General Manager. The company was compelled by the court to enact a company-wide environmental compliance program, with Clean Water Act training for all staff. The owner of the company personally certified future compliance.
Federal Fines: $14,000; Probation: 72 months; Community Service: 80 hours
See last week's CrimeBox here, "Ben& Jerry's manufacturer sentenced to $4.5 million in fines and restitution for deliberate dumping"
CrimeBox briefs are compiled from EPA Criminal Enforcement records.
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