Search

CEO Convicted for Superfund Superfraud

Posted on 4/18/2016 by Roger Marks

The CEO of a Canadian environmental services company has been convicted of major fraud against the United States for orchestrating a kickback scheme that netted his firm “tens of millions of dollars in soil treatment and disposal contracts,” according to a Department of Justice press release. 

Between 2001 and 2004, the CEO of Bennett Environmental Inc. bribed the project manager of the Federal Cresote Superfund site in New Jersey with $1 million in cash, gifts, trips, and entertainment, DOJ says. In return for the kickbacks offered, Bennett Environmental was given “last looks” at their competitors’ bids.

Read the full DOJ press release here.

Read more: What’s a Superfund site?
 
EPA Superfund site uncontrolled hazardous waste

The kickbacks allowed the firm, a hazardous waste services company specializing in the treatment and disposal of contaminated soil, to outbid its competitors at the last minute. This, DOJ says in its press release, undermined the competitive bidding process on a Federally funded project. 

Superfund Fraud Case History

The defendant and CEO of Bennett Environmental, John Bennett, who lived and worked in Canada, was extradited to the United States to stand trial in Newark, where he was found guilty of conspiring to pay kickbacks and committing major fraud against the United States. When he’s sentenced in June, Bennet may face up to ten years and a criminal fine of $1 million or more.

The long investigation of the scheme resulted in convictions for 10 individuals and three companies. Total criminal fines and restitution levied so far amount to more than $6,000,000. Charges range from major fraud against the US to tax fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

Coming Soon: 8-Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Refresher Training

If you work at a Superfund site or other uncontrolled hazardous waste site covered under OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard at 29 CFR 1910.120, refresher HAZWOPER training is required annually. For contractors actively seeking clean-up work with Federal, State, or local governments, keeping managers and personnel up to date on HAZWOPER training is critical.

Meet OSHA’s annual training requirement for personnel who work at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites with the 8-Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Refresher Online Course, coming soon to Lion.com! 

Tags: CERCLA, hazardous waste,, HAZWOPER, RCRA, Superfund

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.