Down in the Dumps: Nevada Plumber Fined $680,000 and Jailed for Illegal Waste Dumping!
A Nevada plumbing manager’s illegal waste dumping lands him in prison with a hefty fine for polluting local water systems. 🌐 #News #RenoNV #Nevada #Crime
RENO, NV – A Nevada plumbing company manager has been sentenced to federal prison and fined for illegally discharging waste into local wastewater systems. Matthew Thurman, the general manager of Environmental Resources Inc. (ERP), doing business as Easy Rooter Plumbing (ERP), will serve two years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. In addition to the prison sentence, Thurman is required to pay a $680,000 fine. ERP itself has also been ordered to pay a fine of $680,000 and is now under three years of probation.
Illegal Dumping and Federal Investigation
Thurman and his company were involved in a scheme to unlawfully discharge grease waste and wastewater from food-service businesses into the wastewater treatment systems of Reno and Sparks. The illegal discharges took place over several years, despite warnings from local regulators. These violations prompted a federal investigation led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In response to the charges, U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson stated, “Nevadans depend on our clean water system for everyday life. By knowingly illegally dumping waste into the treatment system, the defendants jeopardized the quality of life of our citizens in violation of the Clean Water Act.”
He also emphasized that authorities would continue to hold violators accountable for such actions.
Thurman’s False Statements During Investigation
As the investigation unfolded, Thurman attempted to mislead federal authorities. He falsely claimed that competitors were responsible for the illegal discharges, a move that further complicated the investigation.
EPA Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann condemned Thurman’s actions, stating, “The defendant defrauded clients, exposed Nevada communities to contaminated sewage, and engaged in conduct that required taxpayer dollars to be spent on costly repairs.”
Uhlmann further noted, “Today’s significant sentencing demonstrates that EPA will continue to bring to justice environmental criminals.”
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Nevada
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