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PA FORMER OHIO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATOR PLEADS GUILTY FOR VIOLATING THE CLEAN WATER ACT
Release Date: 05/08/98
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1998
FORMER OHIO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATOR PLEADS GUILTY FOR VIOLATING THE CLEAN WATER ACT
On April 30, Gregory E. Marsh, former operator of the Gratis, Ohio wastewater treatment plant, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio in Dayton to filing false reports in violation of the Clean Water Act. Marsh admitted that in May 1996, he falsely informed the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency that he performed tests for fecal coliform bacteria on the water discharged by the Gratis treatment plant. The tests were required by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System discharge permit issued to the plant. Marsh never performed the tests and had no idea of the amount of fecal coliform bacteria contained in the discharge. High levels of fecal coliform can harm fish and other aquatic life. Human exposure can produce gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections. When sentenced, Marsh faces a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI and the Special Investigations and Emergency Response Office of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
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