NJ Business Owner Faces Prison Time Plus $4.2M Fine for Haz Waste Violations

Earlier this month, a New Jersey business owner was ordered to pay $4.2 million in restitution and sentenced to 30 days in prison to resolve Federal hazardous waste violations. In addition, the business owner is required to complete 30 days of house arrest and three years of probation.
 
According to EPA, the owner’s drum-reselling company allegedly imported numerous drums containing hazardous waste, despite not having a permit to store the Federally regulated dangerous substances.
 
Join us for expert-led hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and environmental training at the Lion Training Center in Sparta, NJ! Find a workshop at www.Lion.com/Sparta.
 
From September 2013 to September 2014, EPA removed thousands of drums from the company property in Elk Township, NJ, many of which contained toxic chemicals like benzene and lead. The waste removal cost EPA $4.2 million, which the business owner has been ordered to pay back. The court-issued fine against the business owner will serve as restitution for that cost.
 
This court decision comes a few months after an illegal dump operator from North Jersey was sentenced to 90 days in jail and issued a $60,000 fine for allegedly permitting truckloads of solid waste to be dumped in a residential area, creating a seven-story pile of waste at the site over the span of several years. The case made national headlines and has had a major impact on NJ’s waste disposal regulations.
 

Coming Soon: New Waste Disposal Requirements for NJ

Last December, the New Jersey State Assembly passed a resolution to expand the requirements for people and businesses that handle solid waste and instating harsher penalties for those who do not comply.
 
Bill S1683/A4267, dubbed the “Dirty Dirt Bill,” will expand licensing and background check requirements for anyone in the Garden State working with hazardous waste, solid waste, or soil that can be recycled as fill. The bill also allows State agencies to issue civil penalties as high as $100,000 per day and third-degree criminal penalties for any person(s) in noncompliance.
 
Under the “Dirty Dirt Bill,” State and local authorities may enter any facility where dirt or waste is being moved and take samples for compliance testing. Local law enforcement will also have the authority to stop any dump truck suspected of carrying solid waste and perform license checks.
 
The bill is expected to pass the State Senate and will require Governor Phil Murphy’s signature to become law.
 

Environmental Training Returns to Sparta, NJ

Join Lion Technology in Sparta, NJ for expert-led training to simplify environmental and hazardous materials compliance. Reserve your seat now and take part in interactive workshops now approved for continuing education credits for Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRPs).
 
Network with professionals from a wide range of industries who know the challenges you face. You will develop a step-by-step approach to identify and comply with the hazmat transportation and EPA hazardous waste, air, water, and chemical regulations that impact your facility.
 

• The Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop: March 2–3
• RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Refresher: April 28
• Shipping Lithium Batteries: April 30

Tags: drum, enforcement, fines, haz waste, hazardous waste, illegal waste disposal, jail, New Jersey, NJ, NJ waste disposal, penalties, prison, RCRA