OEPA staffers fired, demoted over Sebring water issue identified

COLUMBUS

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has identified the two Columbus office staffers it fired and the Twinsburg office staff member it demoted over their alleged failure to ensure notification of their OEPA colleagues concerning toxic lead in the Sebring water system.

Terminated Wednesday for alleged major neglect of duty were: Kenneth Baughman of Westerville, Environmental Specialist 2, who earned $70,491 annually; and his boss, Julie Spangler of Blacklick, environmental supervisor, who earned $82,451 a year.

Baughman failed to ensure that lab results were sent from the Columbus office to the Twinsburg office, so Twinsburg staff could determine whether the lead-action level was exceeded and trigger any necessary notice to water customers or enforcement actions, OEPA said in a news release.

Spangler was fired for not properly managing Baughman and “not providing appropriate corrective counseling or progressive discipline, despite being instructed to do so,” OEPA said.

Demoted Wednesday from environmental manager to environmental supervisor was Nancy Rice of Cuyahoga Falls, whose salary dropped from $90,979 to $82,451 annually. Rice was accused of neglect of duty.

Rice was demoted for failing to elevate the Sebring issue to Butler or other senior OEPA management when her office informed village officials Dec. 3; and she should have notified OEPA brass sooner, OEPA said.

On Wednesday, Baughman and Spangler were sent termination letters and Rice was sent a demotion letter signed by Craig W. Butler, OEPA director, who said he wasn’t notified of the Sebring lead issue until Jan. 21.

Read more about the situation in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.