Mahoney’s Auto Shop Owner Admits to Hazardous Waste Dumping, Environmental Crimes
A New York auto shop owner, Andrew Fuller, has been sentenced for illegally dumping hazardous waste and operating an unpermitted solid waste management facility, according to records released by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The investigation, spanning back to 2014, revealed a pattern of reckless environmental disregard at Mahoney’s property, posing a significant threat to public health and the surrounding ecosystem.
In June 2014, investigators discovered Fuller had buried drums of used oil, oil filters, and tires on the property. A subsequent search warrant execution in July 2014 unearthed four 55-gallon drums containing roughly 142 gallons of liquid waste. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of highly toxic substances including benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene – all exceeding permissible levels of .5 milligrams per liter for benzene. These hazardous substances present a serious risk of groundwater contamination and potential long-term health effects for nearby residents.
Unpermitted Waste Facility & Contaminated Runoff
The investigation didn’t stop at buried drums. DEC investigators also found a sprawling, unprotected pile of solid waste measuring 33 feet by 25 feet, consisting of construction debris, roofing materials, household trash, and discarded furniture. This constituted the operation of a solid waste management facility *without* the required permits from the DEC – a direct violation of state regulations designed to protect public health and the environment. Records show Mahoney’s never applied for, nor received, the necessary permits.
Further inspection of the auto shop itself revealed a deliberately constructed drainage system designed to funnel spilled automotive fluids into a pit. From there, the contaminated liquids were pumped via a garden hose directly onto the ground outside the shop, leading to significant petroleum contamination of the surrounding soil. Investigators also found petroleum-soaked absorbent material (“Speedy Dry”) improperly disposed of on the ground, exacerbating the environmental damage.
Legal Consequences & Remediation
On February 15, 2017, Fuller pleaded guilty to one count of Endangering Public Health, Safety or the Environment in the Fourth Degree. He was ordered to pay a $37,500 fine and serve three years of probation. In addition to Fuller’s penalties, Mahoney’s also pleaded guilty to one count of Endangering Public Health, Safety or the Environment in the Third Degree, and was ordered to pay $150,000 in fines and $7,449.49 in restitution to the DEC to cover the costs of excavation and laboratory testing. The DEC and EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division collaborated on the investigation, highlighting the agencies’ commitment to pursuing environmental crimes.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Andrew Fuller
- Location: New York
- Year: 2017
- Violated Statutes: New York State laws pertaining to illegal dumping and operation of an unpermitted solid waste management facility, specifically endangering public health, safety, or the environment.
- Hazardous Materials: Used oil, oil filters, tires, benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, xylene, and petroleum products.
- Penalties: $37,500 fine and three years probation for Fuller; $150,000 in fines and $7,449.49 in restitution for Mahoney’s.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments regarding environmental remediation efforts at the Mahoney’s property.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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