Attorney General Philip T. McLaughlin, Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Robert W. Varney and Michael E. Hubbard, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, New England Office, announce that on July 10, 2001 the Attorney General filed four criminal charges against Roland White in the Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester. The criminal complaints allege that White illegally engaged in well pump installations between July and September of 2000.

The New Hampshire Water Well Board (Board) licenses water well contractors and pump installers. The Board also regulates the installation of well pumps and the construction of wells. Water well contractors and pump installers are required to conspicuously display their license numbers on both sides of their vehicles along with the terms, "Licensed New Hampshire Water Well Contractor" or "Licensed New Hampshire Pump Installer." According to the records of the Board, the Board revoked White's license in July of 1987. After a brief reinstatement, the Board suspended his license until further notice in September of 1988. Neither White nor his company, Statewide Drilling, Inc. ever obtained a new license from the New Hampshire Water Well Board.

Following consumer complaints to the Board, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office and the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division jointly investigated the matter that resulted in the charging of White. The investigation is ongoing.

The charges allege that Roland White engaged in a variety of well pump installations despite being warned recently by the Board that he must first obtain a license. Each charge is a class A misdemeanor and carries a potential penalty of up to one-year in jail and an enhanced fine of $5,000.

In announcing the filing of the charges, Attorney General Philip McLaughlin said, "For the health and safety of the people of the State of New Hampshire, the law requires that only licensed contractors perform well pump installations. Unlicensed contractors will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." The Attorney General also expressed appreciation to the EPA Criminal Investigation Division for its valuable assistance in the investigation.

DES Commissioner Robert W. Varney stated, "The Water Well Board plays a critical role in ensuring that consumers are provided with a safe and adequate water supply through its regulation and monitoring of pump installers and well drillers. DES may impose administrative fines of up to $2,000 per violation and, as in this case, refer the matter to the Attorney General's Office for additional enforcement, including criminal prosecution."

Questions about the licensing status of any water well contractor or pump installer may be referred to Rick Schofield at the NH Water Well Board (603) 271-1974.

For further information, please contact Assistant Attorney General Geoffrey Ransom at (603) 271-3679.