Bert Michael Willard, Illegal Dumping, WA 1991

Maple Valley, WA – In 1991, Bert Michael Willard, also known as Mike Willard, received a six-month home detention sentence and five years of probation for the illegal dumping of hazardous materials in King County. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, highlighted a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and public safety.

Willard was initially arrested on July 12, 1990, following the discovery of discarded asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) near a dirt road. He had been contracted to clear out a warehouse, and rather than properly dispose of the dangerous materials, he opted for an unlawful and environmentally damaging shortcut. The EPA’s investigation revealed that Willard failed to notify authorities of the release of these hazardous substances, a critical component of responsible waste management.

The charges against Willard stemmed from violations of several key federal statutes. Specifically, he pled guilty to offenses under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These laws are designed to protect human health and the environment from the dangers posed by hazardous waste.

According to court documents, Willard knowingly disposed of the asbestos and PCBs without obtaining the necessary permits, further compounding the severity of the crime. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, poses significant health risks when its fibers become airborne. PCBs, once widely used in electrical equipment, are persistent environmental pollutants linked to a range of health problems.

The prosecution successfully argued that Willard’s actions demonstrated a deliberate disregard for the potential harm to both the environment and the local community. While home detention offered a degree of confinement, the court also imposed a substantial financial burden on Willard, ordering him to pay $15,000 in restitution to cover cleanup costs and a $50 contribution to the Crime Victim Fund. Additionally, Willard was mandated to complete 200 hours of community service.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations when handling hazardous materials. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of these laws to ensure that individuals and companies are held accountable for actions that threaten public health and the environment. The incident also underscores the potential dangers of improper asbestos and PCB disposal, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to established protocols.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Bert Michael Willard (aka Mike Willard)
Location: Maple Valley, Washington
Year: 1991
Crime: Illegal dumping of asbestos and PCBs
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 9603(b) (CERCLA), 15 U.S.C. 2614(1)(c) & 2615(b) (TSCA)
Penalties: Six months home detention, 60 months probation, 200 hours community service, $15,000 restitution, $50 to Crime Victim Fund.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on developments as they occur.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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