LISBON — A former East Liverpool wastewater employee has filed a lawsuit against the city claiming he was wrongfully terminated after reporting violations he allegedly uncovered during the time he worked for the city.

In the lawsuit the attorney for Jeffery Cameron of East Liverpool alleged not only did Cameron discover in March 2018 a co-worker, Art Talbert, listed on the East Liverpool website as utility operator, had duplicated tests and falsified reports, but Cameron was told by his supervisor he should not to be concerned.

As part of his position as superintendent of the wastewater plant, Cameron said he reasonably believed the duplicated tests and falsified reports violated federal and state regulations and he reported it to both Allen and the utilities director, Tim Clark.

Cameron claims he was told by Safety Service Director Brian Allen, “It is no big deal. You do not need to notify the EPA about this.”

Cameron is required to submit a discharge monitoring report to the EPA each month and in the April 2018 Cameron reported the duplicated tests and falsified reports, as well as verbally telling Todd Surrena of the EPA about the reports. He then sent Surrena a followup email on April 17.

According to the lawsuit, on June 5, 2018 the EPA came to East Liverpool and asked questions about the duplicated tests and falsified reports.

Then in August 2018 Cameron reportedly discovered the mercury in the water was measuring 181, a number that should be no higher than 12. According to the lawsuit, Cameron told Allen, who refused to address the high mercury levels and had not taken any action by mid-October. At that point, Cameron wrote a letter to Columbiana County (although the lawsuit does not specify which agency or person at the county level) about his concerns to the risk of public health regarding the high mercury levels. He also forwarded a copy of the letter to Allen.

On Nov. 5, three weeks later, Cameron was reportedly terminated from his position by Allen.

Claiming retaliation in violation of the Ohio Whistleblower Statute and wrongful termination the lawsuit seeks the restoration of Cameron to his position, the expungement of his personnel file of all negative documents, and in excess of $25,000 for lost wages, emotional distress and other damages. It also seeks the attorney fees for Barry R. Murner and Corinne A. Huntley of the Spitz Law Firm LLC of Beachwood, who filed the lawsuit.

djohnson@mojonews.com