David Naumann, Hazardous Waste Abandonment, Maryland 2022

Baltimore, MD – David Naumann, the former owner and operator of American Plating Services, has been sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution following a criminal investigation into the illegal abandonment of hazardous waste at his Baltimore electroplating facility. The case, brought forward by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the significant financial and environmental risks posed by irresponsible industrial practices.

American Plating Services operated in the Orangeville Industrial Area of East Baltimore from October 2000 until February 2015. According to court documents, Naumann abruptly ceased operations at the facility in late February 2015, relocating his business while deliberately leaving behind a substantial quantity of dangerous materials. These included over 50 drums and containers, as well as plating vats, all brimming with hazardous waste—specifically, zinc, cadmium, and highly toxic cyanide.

The abandonment triggered a large-scale Superfund response led by the EPA, commencing in May 2016 and lasting through October 2016. The cleanup operation was extensive and costly, ultimately totaling over $2.6 million. Investigators detailed how Naumann’s actions created a serious threat to public health and the environment, potentially contaminating soil and groundwater in a densely populated industrial area.

The EPA’s criminal enforcement division pursued the case vigorously, alleging that Naumann knowingly violated the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, he was charged under 42 U.S.C. 2928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the abandonment of hazardous waste. This section of RCRA aims to ensure proper management of hazardous materials from “cradle to grave,” preventing companies from simply discarding toxic substances when it becomes economically inconvenient.

The sentencing, handed down on October 11, 2022, reflects a growing trend of EPA prosecutions targeting individuals who prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. While probation was granted, the $50,000 restitution order is intended to partially offset the substantial costs incurred by the Superfund cleanup. Legal experts note that the EPA increasingly focuses on holding individuals accountable, not just corporations, for environmental crimes.

The case serves as a stark warning to other industrial operators in Maryland and across the nation. The EPA continues to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of hazardous waste violations, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to environmental regulations and the potential for severe consequences for those who flout the law. The Orangeville Industrial Area remains under scrutiny, with ongoing monitoring to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the remediation efforts.

Key Facts

Defendant: David Naumann
Business: American Plating Services
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Dates of Operation: October 2000 – February 2015
Hazardous Waste: Zinc, Cadmium, Cyanide
Cleanup Cost: Over $2.6 million
Statute Violated: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 2928(d)(2)(A)
Penalty: 36 months probation and $50,000 restitution

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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