Latest news with #Brentnell
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Former waste plant workers hit with felony charges after allegedly lying about years of troubling actions: 'There were some discrepancies'
Two former waste treatment plant employees are facing felony charges for the alleged dumping of raw untreated sewage outside of Oklahoma City. According to authorities, former Bethany-Warr Acres Waste Water Treatment Plant manager Glenn Brentnell and former employee Anthony Menzie are accused of lying to officials regarding how much fecal matter was dumped into surrounding waterways. Officials allege that as plant manager, Brentnell was aware of the plant's disrepair but failed to address any concerns. They also argue that Menzie knowingly altered lab reports to indicate a lower fecal count. As reported by KFOR, Menzie was arrested on March 28, 2025, and charged with five felonies including obtaining money, property, or signature under false pretenses, one charge of conspiracy to commit a felony, another of offering forged or false instruments for the record, and two of violating the Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act. A felony warrant is out for Brentnell's arrest. As of April 6, 2025, no arrest record for Brentnell has been made available. Shellie Chard, Water Quality Division Director at the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, spoke to KFOR regarding the department's lengthy investigation into the illegal dumping and the plant's overall conditions. "The treatment plant was in very much disrepair," Chard said. The plant's questionable conditions ultimately led to a complaint being filed in 2019. "We responded within 24 hours," Chard said. "Through a series of records reviews, there were some discrepancies. We had our inspectors go out and look at the facility and inspect the equipment. In doing that, some of the records were missing, and some of the tests weren't being completed." Although the yearslong investigation uncovered several issues, Chard noted that the illegal dumping of untreated raw sewage was perhaps the most concerning. The sewage was found in nearby fields and local water sources such as Bluff Creek and Liberty Lake. "It's a big lake. There's fishing and lots of activities. So, there was an impact there and to Bluff Creek." According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Liberty Lake is home to several fish species, including crappie, catfish, and bass. The lake is also an important water source for the nearby community. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Water Plant Workers Charged After Raw Sewage Leaks into Creek
Situated just northwest of Oklahoma City, the Bethany-Warr Acres Water Treatment Plant was recently the scene of a crime – that is, according to Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna who has filed charges against two former employees. The water treatment plant handles three million gallons of raw sewage a day, and the County alleges that 55-year-old Anthony Menzie and 63-year-old Glenn Brentnell committed multiple felonies in willfully allowing waste to leak into a nearby creek. Most Read on IEN: World's Largest Tire Manufacturer Turns to Recycled Materials Canadian Manufacturer Closes Plant, Moves Production to North Carolina New EV Company Trolls Elon Musk with Ultra-Light 'Roadster' PODCAST: Jack Daniel's Trade War Fallout; Ford's Door Lawsuit; Honda Moves to Indiana According to reports, regulators responded to a complaint in 2022, where they discovered improperly treated and raw wastewater had been pooling near the plant and then flowing into nearby Bluff Creek. Witnesses pointed to the two suspects, and Menzie reportedly admitted to falsifying lab records in order to downplay fecal contamination levels – something he says he was instructed to do by Brentnell, the plant manager. A report in The Oklahoman points to ongoing problems with the facility between 2020 and 2022, including non-compliance as well as problems with the wastewater management system. These issues led to at least four notices to be issued to the facility. The state's Department of Environmental Quality alleges in court documents that, after an emergency order was issued, the agency learned that there were no personnel onsite at the facility and that the doors were locked. Shortly thereafter, in late 2022, Brentnell is said to have 'abruptly retired' though the suit says he claimed "the issues in the … notices were minor." A separate investigation by a public trust disagreed, instead finding plant equipment that was neglected and in a state of disrepair. They suggest it was these issues that led to the discharge of wastewater into Bluff Creek and subsequent coverup. While local authorities hope to see Menzie and Brentnell face the music, they also stress that the problems are being addressed. Regulators say the situation at the plant has improved, and the facility is on its way to getting back in compliance. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
