NORWICH – Former Norwich Assistant Superintendent of Public Works George Carnrike Jr., has been charged with several offenses for ordering DPW staff to illegally transport and dump thousands of pounds of raw sewage using the city's street sweeper at unauthorized locations also operated by the city.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in at least three reported instances the street sweeper, which is not designed or permitted to move raw sewage, spilled hazardous materials into the environment during transport.

Carnrike is scheduled to appear in Norwich City Court at 9 a.m. February 24. The court's clerk said the appearance would be to either accept a possible plea deal or have a trial date scheduled. Carnrike has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The DEC interviewed a number of DPW workers during the investigation but only Carnrike has been charge with any crimes.

City officials contacted Friday said no disciplinary actions have been taken against any DPW employees involved with the alleged incidents. The charges filed by the DEC claim employees were ordered to carry out the illegal activities by Carnrike.

City officials were unsure if the alleged activities created any public health risks and referred assessments and comments about public health to the DEC. No public information about Carnrike's arrest or the reported activities has been released to the public by the city.