TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A Gloucester County man has admitted creating an oil spill when he used a vacuum truck that contained an industrial solvent to drain his swimming pool.
John Caldwell of Washington Township thought the truck was empty before he discharged the liquid into a storm drain that fed nearby Mantua Creek and Spring Lake in June 2014.
The 48-year-old pleaded guilty to violating the Water Pollution Control Act and causing or risking widespread injury or damage.
Under terms of a plea agreement, the state will recommend Caldwell be sentenced to five years’ probation, perform community service and pay nearly $194,000 in restitution for cleanup costs and emergency services overtime.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 26.
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