South Elgin, IL – D&Y Recycling and its owner, Yu Tan Zheng, were convicted in October 2010 for the illegal dumping of corrosive liquid into the Fox River, causing significant environmental damage and a fish kill. The incident, which came to light after a resident reported “suds and dead fish” to the South Elgin Police Department (PD) on May 15, 2010, revealed a deliberate attempt to circumvent environmental regulations for financial gain.
Responding officers traced the pollution source to D&Y Recycling, located at 670 Sundown in South Elgin. Police witnessed employee An Hong actively discharging the contents of a 55-gallon drum into a storm sewer leading directly to the Fox River. Subsequent analysis determined the liquid was a low pH corrosive substance. Zheng, present at the scene and observed carrying barrel lids, confessed to ordering Hong to dispose of the contents of *two* drums in this manner. Both Hong and Zheng were taken into custody by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) following questioning by South Elgin PD.
Investigation and Charges
The investigation quickly established a clear pattern of intentional wrongdoing. Authorities determined that D&Y Recycling had knowingly bypassed proper waste disposal procedures to avoid associated costs. On June 4, 2010, both the company and its individuals were formally indicted on violations of state environmental regulations, specifically section 44)(j)(1)(A). The charges stemmed from a blatant disregard for the Clean Water Act and the potential harm to the Fox River ecosystem.
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing
Facing mounting evidence, both D&Y Recycling and its key personnel entered guilty pleas on October 20, 2010. The sentencing reflected the severity of the offense. D&Y Recycling was placed on 18 months of probation and ordered to pay a total of $20,000: a $2,500 state fine, $9,075 in restitution to the IDNR, $5,925 to the Village of South Elgin, and $2,500 to the Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association.
Individual Penalties
Yu Tan Zheng, as the owner and directing force behind the illegal dumping, received 18 months probation and was fined $1,250, in addition to $1,250 in restitution. An Hong, the employee who carried out the dumping, also received 18 months probation, alongside a $1,250 fine and $1,250 in restitution. The combined penalties aim to both punish the responsible parties and provide compensation for the environmental damage caused.
Key Facts
- Defendant: D&Y Recycling, Yu Tan Zheng, An Hong
- Location: South Elgin, Illinois
- Date of Incident: May 15, 2010
- Crime: Illegal dumping of corrosive liquid into the Fox River
- Statutes Violated: Illinois state environmental regulations, section 44)(j)(1)(A); violations of the Clean Water Act.
- Penalties: D&Y Recycling – 18 months probation, $2,500 fine, $17,500 restitution. Zheng – 18 months probation, $1,250 fine, $1,250 restitution. Hong – 18 months probation, $1,250 fine, $1,250 restitution.
- Evidence: Witness testimony from South Elgin PD officers and Zheng’s confession.
This case underscores the importance of vigilant environmental monitoring and swift prosecution of those who prioritize profit over ecological responsibility. The Fox River, a vital waterway for the region, continues to recover from the damage inflicted by D&Y Recycling’s actions.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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