Frank Krum, Toxic Waste Violation, PA 1987

Montours County, PA – Frank Krum was sentenced in October 1987 following a guilty plea to federal charges stemming from improper handling and disposal of toxic substances at his metal reclamation facility. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the dangers of unregulated handling of potentially hazardous materials and the importance of diligent record-keeping.

According to court documents, Krum’s facility received a shipment of used electrical transformers. These transformers contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a class of organic chemicals known for their toxicity and persistence in the environment. PCBs were widely used in electrical equipment manufactured before being banned in the 1970s due to their adverse health effects, including potential carcinogenic properties.

The EPA investigation revealed that Krum failed to adhere to regulations governing the handling, storage, and disposal of PCB-containing equipment. Specifically, Krum drained the transformers for scrap metal but did not properly manage the resulting PCB-contaminated oil or the remaining equipment carcasses. This created a risk of environmental contamination and potential exposure to hazardous substances.

On April 20, 1987, Krum pled guilty to a three-count information, admitting to violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The charges included improper storage and disposal of PCBs, as well as a failure to maintain accurate records as required by EPA regulations. The government alleged that Krum knowingly circumvented established protocols designed to protect public health and the environment. The investigation suggests a deliberate disregard for federal regulations surrounding hazardous waste.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Frank Krum
Location: Montours County, Pennsylvania
Year: 1987
Violated Laws: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 15 U.S.C. 2615(b), 15 U.S.C. 2605(e) – specifically sections 6(e), 15, and 16 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and related EPA regulations (40 CFR 761.60, 761.65, and 761.80).
Charges: Improper storage and disposal of PCB-containing equipment, failure to maintain required PCB records.
Penalty: 18 months probation (concurrent on each of three counts) and $25 in costs on each count.

On October 6, 1987, Krum received a sentence of 18 months probation, to be served concurrently on each count, along with a $75 financial penalty ($25 per count). While the sentence may appear lenient by today’s standards, it reflects the penalties available at the time for these types of violations. The EPA continues to pursue vigorous enforcement of TSCA regulations to ensure the safe management of hazardous materials and protect communities from environmental harm. This case serves as a reminder that even seemingly small-scale operations dealing with toxic substances are subject to strict federal oversight.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on the efforts to hold polluters accountable.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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