Arthur J. Greer, Hazardous Waste Crimes, FL 1989

Orlando, FL – Arthur J. Greer, the proprietor of four now-defunct hazardous waste handling companies, received a combined sentence of over 19 months incarceration following a protracted legal battle stemming from reckless endangerment and illegal dumping practices in the mid-1980s. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of blatant disregard for both employee safety and environmental regulations.

According to court documents, Greer directed his employees to perform shockingly unsafe “tests” on highly toxic chemicals, including cyanide, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, and xylene. Instead of utilizing proper chemical analysis, workers were instructed to *sniff* samples or, even more disturbingly, ignite them in soft drink cans. These practices placed employees at severe risk of immediate and long-term health consequences.

The investigation, which began in 1985, also uncovered evidence of illegal dumping. Greer ordered the disposal of approximately 1,000 gallons of waste – primarily 1,1,1-trichloroethane – in an unauthorized manner. Furthermore, he directed the mislabeling of drums containing hazardous waste, falsely identifying them as harmless “dirt” in an attempt to evade regulatory oversight. These actions directly violated federal environmental laws designed to protect public health and the environment.

Legal Battles & Convictions

Greer was initially indicted on 33 counts on December 17, 1985, including mail fraud, violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and failure to report a release of hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). While a judge granted a directed verdict of acquittal on some charges, a jury ultimately found Greer guilty on 13 counts of mail fraud, one count of making a false claim, one count of failing to notify authorities of a hazardous substance release, one count of mislabeling hazardous waste, and one count of illegal disposal on June 17, 1986.

The initial sentencing on September 16, 1986, saw Greer receive a 60-month incarceration sentence, with all but three months suspended, along with 48 months of probation, 1,000 hours of community service, and a $23,000 fine. However, the legal proceedings continued as two counts were remanded, leading to a second sentencing on November 23, 1988, where Greer received an additional 13 months of incarceration. The combined sentence reflects the severity and scope of his criminal conduct.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Arthur J. Greer
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Years Active: Mid-1980s
• Crime: Hazardous waste handling violations, employee endangerment, illegal dumping
• Laws Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Mail Fraud), 42 U.S.C. 9603(b) (CERCLA reporting violation), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(3) & 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA violations – improper disposal and mislabeling), 18 U.S.C. 287 (False Claim), 42 U.S.C. 6928(e) (Knowing Endangerment)
• Penalties: Over 19 months incarceration, 48 months probation, 1,000 hours community service, $23,000 fine
• Hazardous Substances: Cyanide, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, xylene

The Greer case stands as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible hazardous waste management and the EPA’s commitment to prosecuting those who prioritize profit over public safety and environmental protection. The case highlights the importance of strict adherence to regulations governing the handling and disposal of toxic materials, and the potential consequences for those who disregard them.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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