While reading this post, keep in mind that the fact that there were exceedences of permit limitations is not the crime; rather, it is the manipulation of the data and the falsification of the reporting.
On September 3, 2008, Johnson Matthey Inc. (the owner and operator of a gold and silver refining facility in Salt Lake City) pleaded guilty to one felony violation of the Clean Water Act for failing to properly report wastewater discharges from the facility. As a part of the plea agreement, Johnson Matthey agreed to pay a fine of $3,000,000.00. Sentencing has been set for December 2, 2008, at 2:30 p.m.
The former plant manager and former general manager also both pleaded guilty to making false statements and were then sentenced. Former plant manager Paul Greaves and former general manager John McKelvie admitted to one felony violation for making false statements in relation to requirements for reporting pollutants under the Clean Water Act. Greaves was sentenced to one year probation, a $500.00 fine and 20 hours community service and McKelvie was sentenced to one year probation, a $1,000.00 fine and 20 hours community service.
The case arose out of an USEPA investigation into the company