Savannah, GA – Boasso America, a hazardous waste transportation company, has been sentenced following a guilty plea to violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for the illegal dumping of hazardous waste in a Savannah neighborhood. The case, investigated by a multi-agency task force, reveals a deliberate scheme to cut corners on proper waste disposal, resulting in environmental contamination and a significant penalty for the company.
According to court documents, between 2015 and the discovery of the crime, Boasso employees Ray Mitchell and Maurice Miller engaged in the unlawful transportation and dumping of naphthalene – a toxic substance commonly found in mothballs – onto land within a residential area. Rather than adhering to stringent RCRA regulations governing hazardous waste management, the pair opted to illegally dispose of the waste, concealing their actions through fabricated invoices designed to mislead regulators and clients.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) spearheaded the investigation, receiving crucial support from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, and the Savannah Fire and Emergency Services Hazardous Materials team. The collaborative effort uncovered the extent of the dumping and the subsequent cover-up, leading to criminal charges against both Mitchell and Miller.
Penalties and Restitution
Boasso America was sentenced on December 14, 2017, and ordered to pay a total of $550,000. This includes a $500,000 criminal fine and $50,000 in restitution to the Georgia DNR to cover the costs of environmental remediation. Beyond the financial penalties, the company will be subject to a five-year term of probation and is mandated to implement a comprehensive environmental compliance plan. As part of the sentencing, Boasso must also issue a public apology, published in at least one national newspaper, two major Georgia newspapers, and prominently displayed on its website for a minimum of 30 days.
Individual Accountability
The employees directly involved in the illegal dumping have already faced consequences for their actions. Maurice Miller received a 28-month prison sentence, while Ray Mitchell was sentenced to 20 months incarceration. Both individuals are also required to complete three years of supervised release following their imprisonment. These sentences highlight the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating violations of environmental regulations and the individuals responsible for endangering public health and the environment.
Legal Basis & Key Facts
The charges against Boasso America stemmed from violations of 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA is the nation’s primary law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste, designed to protect human health and the environment. The illegal dumping of naphthalene constitutes a significant breach of these regulations, potentially exposing residents to harmful toxins and contaminating the local ecosystem.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Boasso America
- Crime: Illegal Hazardous Waste Dumping
- Location: Garden City/Savannah, Georgia
- Year: 2018 (Sentencing in 2017 for actions in 2015)
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1) (RCRA)
- Penalty: $550,000 (fine & restitution), 5 years probation, compliance plan, public apology
- Individual Sentences: Maurice Miller (28 months), Ray Mitchell (20 months) + supervised release
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on the implementation of Boasso America’s environmental compliance plan and the progress of remediation efforts in the affected Savannah neighborhood.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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