Chase Interiors, Hazardous Waste, NY 1989

FALCONER, NY – Chase Interiors, Inc., a cabinet and fixture manufacturer serving retail businesses, and its plant manager, Kenneth Kaminski, were convicted of federal environmental crimes in 1989, following a probe into improper hazardous waste handling and reporting failures. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighted a pattern of negligent practices at the company’s Falconer, New York facility.

The investigation, which began in 1988, revealed that Chase Interiors knowingly and unlawfully treated, stored, and disposed of hazardous waste in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Rather than adhering to mandated protocols for handling dangerous materials generated by their manufacturing processes, the company allegedly engaged in practices that put both the environment and public health at risk. The exact nature of the hazardous waste wasn’t immediately disclosed, but sources suggest it stemmed from the chemical finishing processes used on the cabinets and fixtures.

On August 5, 1988, a two-count indictment was filed, charging both Chase Interiors and Kaminski with conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371) and unlawful hazardous waste management (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)). The indictment alleged that Kaminski, as direct supervisor, was aware of the improper disposal methods and actively participated in concealing them. Further charges were leveled against Kaminski on January 31, 1989, accusing him of failing to report a release of hazardous substances, a violation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), specifically Section 103(b) [42 U.S.C. 9603(b)]. This failure to notify authorities compounded the severity of the offenses.

The legal proceedings culminated in guilty pleas from both the company and Kaminski in February 1989. Chase Interiors admitted to violating RCRA Sec. 3008(d)(2)(A) [42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)], acknowledging their failure to properly manage hazardous waste. Kaminski, meanwhile, pled guilty to the CERCLA charge, admitting he failed to report the release of the hazardous substance. The pleas signaled an attempt by both parties to mitigate the potential consequences of a full trial.

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Sentencing & Penalties

On May 19, 1989, the court handed down its sentences. Kenneth Kaminski received 24 months of probation, a relatively lenient sentence considering the potential for jail time. However, Chase Interiors faced a more substantial financial penalty: a $50,000 fine, in addition to a 60-month probationary period. This probationary period likely included stipulations regarding future environmental compliance and oversight of waste management practices.

While the case closed over three decades ago, it remains a stark reminder of the importance of stringent environmental regulations and the consequences of non-compliance. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue companies and individuals who prioritize profit over responsible waste management, safeguarding public health and the environment.

Key Facts

Defendant: Chase Interiors, Inc. & Kenneth Kaminski
Location: Falconer, New York
Year: 1989
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 9603(b) (CERCLA)
Penalties: $50,000 fine for Chase Interiors, 60 months probation for the company. 24 months probation for Kaminski.
Crime: Improper hazardous waste handling and failure to report release of hazardous substances.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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