Cambridge Mill Products, PCB Dumping, NY 1987

Cambridge, NY – Cambridge Mill Products, Inc. and its president, Robert LeBeau, were convicted in 1987 for the illegal dumping of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a highly toxic substance, at the Keffler and Rose mine site. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of improper waste disposal that posed a significant threat to the environment and public health.

The investigation began after inadvertent excavation at the mine site uncovered numerous drums containing hazardous waste. Authorities quickly traced the barrels back to Cambridge Mill Products, a company specializing in the manufacture of high vacuum pump fluid and the reclamation of investment casting wax. Evidence indicated the company had been systematically dumping PCB-laden waste at the location, violating federal environmental regulations.

According to court documents filed September 3, 1986, both the corporation and LeBeau were initially charged with two counts of violating the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), specifically Sections 15 and 16(b) – 15 U.S.C. 2614 and 2615(b). These sections of the TSCA prohibit the unlawful disposal of PCBs. Both Cambridge Mill Products and LeBeau ultimately pled guilty to one count each.

The EPA’s enforcement action highlighted the dangers of improper PCB handling. PCBs, known for their persistence in the environment and potential carcinogenic effects, were widely used in industrial applications until their production was largely banned in the 1970s. Illegal dumping, such as that committed by Cambridge Mill Products, continues to pose remediation challenges decades later.

On November 19, 1986, Judge [Reporter’s note: Judge’s name not included in provided data] handed down the sentencing. Cambridge Mill Products, Inc. and Robert LeBeau were ordered to pay a combined $25,000 fine. In addition to the fine, the company was held jointly and severally liable for $23,000 in cleanup costs associated with the PCB contamination. LeBeau himself received a sentence of 90 days probation, demonstrating the EPA’s intent to hold individuals accountable for corporate environmental crimes.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Cambridge Mill Products, Inc. & Robert LeBeau
Crime: Illegal dumping of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Location: Keffler and Rose mine site, Cambridge, New York
Statutes Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2614 and 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) (Toxic Substances Control Act) & 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements)
Penalties: $25,000 fine (jointly), $23,000 cleanup costs, 90 days probation for Robert LeBeau
Discovery: Illegal dumping discovered during excavation at the mine site.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for stringent environmental enforcement and responsible waste management practices. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and hold polluters accountable.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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