Curtis Wayne Ford, Haz Waste Violation, CO 2004

Grand Junction, CO – Curtis Wayne Ford, operating as Western Slope Radiator, was sentenced last October following a guilty plea to illegally storing hazardous waste at his Colorado radiator repair shop. The case, investigated by state environmental authorities, revealed a pattern of non-compliance with hazardous waste regulations spanning over two years.

According to court documents, Western Slope Radiator generated lead-contaminated hazardous waste as a byproduct of its core business – repairing and replacing automotive radiators. Between September 2000 and December 2002, Ford failed to obtain the necessary permits for the storage of this waste, effectively operating an illegal hazardous waste storage facility. The accumulation of improperly handled materials posed a potential environmental and public health risk, prompting the investigation and subsequent legal action.

Ford was formally charged on March 20, 2003, with a single count of violating the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act, specifically C.R.S. 25-15-310(1)(b). This statute prohibits the storage of hazardous waste without a valid permit. The investigation focused on the volume and duration of the unpermitted storage, as well as the potential for soil and water contamination. Evidence presented during the proceedings detailed the lack of containment measures and proper labeling of the hazardous materials.

The defendant ultimately entered a guilty plea, acknowledging his failure to adhere to state environmental regulations. The plea allowed the case to proceed to sentencing, where the court considered the severity of the violation and the potential harm caused by Ford’s actions. The prosecution emphasized the importance of enforcing hazardous waste laws to protect both the environment and the surrounding community.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Penalties & Restitution

On October 29, 2003, Judge [Judge’s name not provided in case data] handed down the sentence: 24 months of incarceration, followed by a 24-month probationary period. In addition to the criminal penalties, Ford was ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution to the property owner from whom he leased the space for Western Slope Radiator. The restitution was intended to cover costs associated with potential remediation or cleanup efforts related to the illegal storage of hazardous waste.

Key Facts

Defendant: Curtis Wayne Ford (Western Slope Radiator)
Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
Dates of Violation: September 2000 – December 2002
Statute Violated: Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 25-15-310(1)(b) – Illegal storage of hazardous waste without a permit.
Charge: One count of violating the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act
Sentence: 24 months incarceration, 24 months probation, $1,500 restitution
Hazardous Waste: Lead-contaminated waste from radiator repair/replacement

This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and financial consequences associated with improper hazardous waste management. Colorado’s environmental regulations are designed to safeguard public health and the environment, and authorities are committed to pursuing those who violate these crucial laws.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases