Bethany-Warr Acres plant employee arrested for discharging raw sewage into local creek

In Warr Acres, Oklahoma, an employee of the Bethany-Warr Acres Water Treatment Plant, Glenn Brentnell, is under investigation following allegations of improperly discharging untreated wastewater into a nearby creek. Alongside Brentnell, Anthony Menzie has also been charged in connection with this case, which has raised serious environmental and public health concerns.

The Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office revealed that both Brentnell and Menzie face charges for obtaining property through deception and two counts of violating the Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act. Additionally, Menzie is charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and for submitting a false or forged instrument related to environmental compliance.

The investigation began in November 2022 when officials reported sewage overflow in and around the wastewater treatment facility. Upon investigation, evidence of untreated sewage was found flowing from the plant into a ditch and subsequently into a creek, highlighting potential environmental hazards.

Witness statements indicated that Brentnell, the plant manager, had prior knowledge of the plant's failures but failed to take necessary corrective actions. Furthermore, Menzie allegedly admitted to falsifying laboratory reports to show artificially lower levels of fecal contamination, which were submitted to regulatory bodies, including the Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA.

As of March 28, 2025, Menzie was arrested and is currently in custody, while a warrant has been issued for Brentnell, who remains at large. The case continues to unfold, emphasizing the importance of environmental oversight and accountability in public utilities.