Donald Hartung, Illegal Waste Disposal, WA 1999

Auburn, WA – Donald Hartung, owner of Industrial Cleaning and Recyclers (ICR), was brought to justice in 1999 following a federal investigation into his illegal hazardous waste disposal practices. Hartung operated ICR as a waste hauler servicing over 100 machine shops and engine rebuilding businesses, promising legitimate disposal of dangerous byproducts. However, authorities discovered a calculated scheme of falsified manifests and blatant disregard for environmental regulations.

The investigation, which began in 1996, revealed that Hartung knowingly misrepresented his services, accepting hazardous waste – specifically hot tank sludge contaminated with heavy metals and caustic effluent – while failing to properly dispose of it. Instead of sending the waste to licensed facilities, Hartung stockpiled it. A search of his residence and a rented storage locker in Auburn uncovered 195 drums of illegally stored hazardous waste. The scale of the operation pointed to a deliberate and sustained effort to cut corners at the expense of public health and the environment.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the case was Hartung’s clandestine method of direct discharge. Investigators discovered a hidden sewer bypass line located *underneath his children’s trampoline*. A sump pump and hose were positioned nearby, used to pump the hazardous waste directly into the municipal sewer system, bypassing all treatment and safety protocols. This reckless act posed a significant threat to the local wastewater treatment plant and the surrounding community.

Hartung was initially charged on February 7, 1996, with one count of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928, for knowingly transporting hazardous waste without a permit. He also faced a charge under the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), for knowingly violating effluent standards. He quickly pled guilty to both counts on February 21, 1996.

On July 1, 1996, Hartung received a sentence of 15 months incarceration, followed by 36 months of probation, and was ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, his deception didn’t end there. On December 14, 1998, Hartung’s probation was revoked after further violations came to light. He was subsequently sentenced to an additional ten months in prison and 26 months probation, though no further fines were levied.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Donald Hartung
Company: Industrial Cleaning and Recyclers (ICR)
Location: Auburn, Washington
Laws Violated: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6928), Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A))
Waste Type: Hot tank sludge with heavy metals, caustic effluent
Illegal Activity: Falsified waste manifests, illegal storage of 195 drums of hazardous waste, direct discharge into municipal sewer via hidden bypass
Penalties: 25 months incarceration, 62 months probation, $75,000 restitution to the EPA

The Hartung case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of environmental crimes and the EPA’s commitment to pursuing those who prioritize profit over public safety and ecological integrity. The brazen nature of his operation – hiding illegal dumping equipment under a children’s play area – highlights the defendant’s complete disregard for the well-being of the community he endangered.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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