Forms, Inc., Hazardous Waste Transport, PA 1988

Willow Grove, PA – Forms, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based business form manufacturer, has been slapped with a hefty fine following a guilty plea to federal charges of illegally transporting hazardous waste. The case, originating in 1988, highlights a disturbing pattern of improper waste disposal practices that landed both the corporation and a contracted hauler in legal jeopardy.

According to court documents, Forms, Inc. engaged Phillip Trembley as a contractor to remove numerous 55-gallon drums from its facility. Instead of ensuring the waste was taken to a licensed and permitted disposal site, Trembley knowingly transported the drums to an unauthorized location—a clear violation of federal environmental regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) swiftly launched an investigation upon discovering the illicit activity.

On July 28, 1988, separate informations were filed against both Forms, Inc. and Trembley, each charged with one count of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The specific section of RCRA breached was 3008(d)(2)(A), codified as 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the knowing transport of hazardous waste to an unpermitted facility. This statute is a cornerstone of federal efforts to control and manage hazardous waste from “cradle to grave.”

The legal proceedings moved quickly. Trembley entered a guilty plea on August 2, 1988. Forms, Inc. followed suit on August 5th, accepting responsibility for its role in the illegal transportation. The company was sentenced to pay a $50,000 fine, a significant penalty intended to deter future violations. Trembley received a sentence of 60 months probation and was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine, handed down on September 26, 1988.

While the financial penalties represent a degree of accountability, environmental watchdogs suggest that such cases often require more stringent measures to truly address the risks posed by improper hazardous waste disposal. The lack of detail regarding the specific contents of the drums and the ultimate fate of the waste raises questions about potential long-term environmental damage. The EPA has not released further information regarding remediation efforts at the unauthorized disposal site.

This case serves as a stark reminder that companies are legally obligated to meticulously track and properly dispose of any hazardous waste generated by their operations. Failure to do so not only invites criminal prosecution but also endangers public health and the environment. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue enforcement actions against those who flout these critical regulations.

Key Facts

Defendant: Forms, Inc.
Contractor: Phillip Trembley
Location: Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Statute Violated: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)
Forms, Inc. Penalty: $50,000 fine
Trembley Penalty: 60 months probation, $1,500 fine
Waste Type: Hazardous waste contained in 55-gallon drums
Date of Initial Charges: July 28, 1988

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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