Garrison Kimball Hall III, Asbestos Dumping, South Carolina 2015

Greenwood, SC – Garrison Kimball Hall III was sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty to illegally dumping asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in Greenwood, South Carolina. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) in conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), highlights the dangers of improper asbestos abatement and the serious consequences for those who flout environmental regulations.

The investigation began in August 2013 when DHEC’s Office of Criminal Investigations alerted the EPA to suspicious activity at a land parcel leased by Hall. Authorities discovered ACM had been unlawfully dumped on the property. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, poses significant health risks when its fibers become airborne, leading to severe respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Hall, an asbestos abatement contractor, knowingly violated state environmental regulations by failing to properly dispose of the hazardous materials. Instead of following established protocols for safe removal and disposal – which typically involves specialized packaging, transportation, and landfilling at approved facilities – Hall opted for an illegal and dangerous method. The specific statutes violated were not publicly detailed in available case information, but were state-level environmental regulations pertaining to hazardous waste management.

The EPA-CID and DHEC investigators meticulously gathered evidence, establishing a clear link between Hall and the illegal dumping. The investigation likely involved site assessments, material analysis, and potentially witness interviews to build a solid case. The collaborative effort between the federal and state agencies underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in combating environmental crime.

On August 27, 2015, Hall was formally charged, pled guilty, and subsequently sentenced to 12 months of incarceration. This sentence sends a strong message that environmental crimes will not be tolerated, and those who endanger public health and the environment will be held accountable. While the financial penalties of the case haven’t been publicly disclosed, the jail time signifies the severity of the offense.

Key Facts

Defendant: Garrison Kimball Hall III
Location: Greenwood, South Carolina
Crime: Illegal dumping of asbestos-containing materials (ACM)
Year: 2015
Agencies Involved: EPA-CID, South Carolina DHEC
Penalty: 12 months of incarceration
Laws Violated: State environmental regulations regarding hazardous waste (asbestos) disposal.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible asbestos abatement practices and the potential dangers posed by unregulated hazardous waste disposal.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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