Action Manufacturing Company, Hazardous Waste Storage, Pennsylvania 2014

Atglen, PA – Action Manufacturing Company, a Bristol-based munitions component manufacturer, has been sentenced to five years of probation and a $1.2 million fine for the illegal storage of explosive hazardous waste at its Atglen, Chester County facility. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro, concludes a case brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The company, which produces timing and arming devices for explosives, admitted to stockpiling dangerous waste materials – including scrap parts and decades-old explosive components – instead of properly disposing of them at an authorized treatment facility. This practice directly violated the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (42USC6928), the nation’s primary law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste.

The illegal accumulation of explosive waste came to light during a joint inspection in November 2011 by EPA and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection officials. Inspectors discovered a significant backlog of improperly stored materials, posing a potential safety hazard and environmental risk. According to court documents, Action Manufacturing’s production process routinely generated explosive solid waste, which requires specialized handling and disposal procedures.

Beyond the RCRA violations, Action Manufacturing also pled guilty to violating the Hazardous Material Transportation Act (49USC5124). The company failed to maintain accurate recordkeeping related to the transportation of explosive materials on public roads, further demonstrating a disregard for safety regulations. This added to the severity of the charges and contributed to the substantial financial penalty.

As part of the sentencing, Action Manufacturing is required to appoint a new president and chief executive officer. The company must also adhere to a strict schedule for the safe and compliant disposal of the accumulated hazardous waste. Judge Alejandro also ordered an $800 special assessment, bringing the total financial burden to $1,200,800.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams prosecuted the case, highlighting the commitment of federal authorities to enforce environmental regulations and hold companies accountable for endangering public safety and the environment.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Action Manufacturing Company
Location: Atglen, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Year: 2014
Violations: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Hazardous Material Transportation Act
Penalties: Five years probation, $1.2 million fine, $800 special assessment, new CEO appointment, waste disposal schedule.
Investigation: EPA Criminal Investigations Division & DOT Office of Inspector General

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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