Denver, CO – A Colorado printing company and its owner, along with a private resident, faced criminal charges in 2012 following the discovery of improperly stored hazardous waste in a Denver neighborhood. The case, originating with a request from the Denver Fire Department, revealed a pattern of illegal waste disposal and a disregard for environmental and public safety.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Colorado Environmental Crimes Task Force and the EPA’s Emergency Response team, centered around Richard Wilmer’s property. Wilmer had purchased a semi-trailer from Accupress Printing, owned and operated by Maurice Weiss. Upon inspection, the trailer was found to be laden with numerous containers of ink, printing chemicals, and related supplies. In an attempt to circumvent zoning regulations, Wilmer offloaded the contents onto his property, leaving many of the containers open, leaking, rusted, and damaged.
The hazardous materials were scattered throughout Wilmer’s backyard and even placed in an open dumpster, creating a significant risk of contamination and potential harm to the surrounding community. EPA responders determined the waste contained flammable, combustible, corrosive, and toxic substances, necessitating an emergency removal operation. The scene painted a picture of blatant disregard for safe handling and disposal procedures.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
On March 12, 2010, indictments were handed down against all parties involved. Accupress Printing and Weiss were charged with two counts of storing or disposing of hazardous waste without a permit, in violation of C.R.S. 25-15-301(1)(b), and one count of transporting hazardous waste without a permit. Wilmer was charged with one count of illegal hazardous waste storage and disposal (C.R.S. 25-15-301(1)(a)), and one count of contributing to a hazardous substance incident (C.R.S. 29-22-108).
The legal proceedings unfolded over the following year. Wilmer ultimately pled guilty and received a sentence of 14 days of time served, a $10,000 fine, and a deferred judgment with 24 months of unsupervised probation. Weiss also entered a guilty plea to one count of improper hazardous waste disposal, resulting in a 12-month probation period and a $3,000 payment to the Western States Project. Accupress Printing, as a corporate entity, pled guilty to one count and was penalized with a minimal $10 fine – a seemingly disproportionate penalty given the severity of the environmental violation.
Key Facts
- Defendant(s): Accupress Printing, Maurice Weiss, Richard Wilmer
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Year: 2012
- Crime: Illegal hazardous waste storage, disposal, and transportation
- Statutes Violated: C.R.S. 25-15-301(1)(a), C.R.S. 25-15-301(1)(b), C.R.S. 29-22-108
- Penalties: Wilmer – 14 days jail, $10K fine, 24 mo probation. Weiss – 12 mo probation, $3K to Western States Project. Accupress – $10 fine.
- Origin of Investigation: Request from the Denver Fire Department to the Colorado Environmental Crimes Task Force.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper hazardous waste management and the potential consequences of neglecting environmental regulations. While penalties were levied, the relatively low fine imposed on Accupress Printing raises questions about the effectiveness of the enforcement and whether the punishment adequately reflects the risk posed to public health and the environment.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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