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 Knowledge of an environmental crime? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email info@wtny.us
May 8 2025 856 pm EDT
SDWA CrimeBox
Historic Conviction Fiscal Year 1999; Case ID# CR_987(Montana)
Willful violation of Safe Drinking Water Act in 1999 draws a $50,000 fine
The one and only criminal conviction under the Safe Drinking Water Act in Montana
The defendants in this case are two: an oil and gas well service company operating in Montana, and the President of this company. The defendants provided "field and operations services for oil production companies," according to the court brief. The court was presented with a bill of information indicating the willful violation of Safe Drinking Water Act, the defendants had recklessly placed hazardous waste materials into three abandoned wells in Pondera County. The contaminants threatened the groundwater aquifer, a source of drinking water for many Montana residents. The court heard that this illegal and unethical practise had gone on for a period of years.
The corporate defendant was convicted and sentenced for the unauthorized disposal of hazardous waste. Federal District Court in Montana issued a stiff penalty, for the times. It was noted at sentencing that there were underground injection wells permitted for waste disposal that could have been utilized.
Federal Fine: $50,000
See last week's CrimeBox, "Three years in prison for hiding hazardous waste underground in Kansas", here.
SDWA CrimeBox briefs are compiled from EPA Criminal Enforcement records.
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