Gary J. Wasserson, Hazardous Waste Violation, PA 2006

York, PA – Former Sterling Supply Company CEO Gary J. Wasserson faced justice years after illegally transporting hazardous waste, culminating in a sentence handed down in January 2006. The case, stemming from a 1999 incident, highlights the ongoing federal effort to enforce regulations surrounding the handling and disposal of dangerous materials.

In September 1999, while decommissioning a Sterling Supply facility, Wasserson directed the removal of a dumpster containing drums of unidentified waste. This waste was transported first to the Girard Point Transfer Station and ultimately deposited at the Modern Landfill in York, Pennsylvania. Crucially, the transport occurred *without* the legally required hazardous waste manifests – documentation detailing the type and quantity of waste, its origin, and its intended destination. This omission is a critical violation of federal law, designed to track and control potentially dangerous substances.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a criminal investigation, leading to formal charges against Wasserson on February 13, 2003. He was indicted on three separate counts under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the primary federal law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Specifically, Wasserson was accused of knowingly transporting hazardous waste without a manifest (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5)), knowingly transporting hazardous waste in violation of regulations (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1)), and knowingly treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste without a permit (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)).

The case proceeded to a jury trial, where evidence presented detailed the lack of proper documentation and the inherent risk associated with transporting unidentified waste. On November 26, 2003, the jury found Wasserson guilty on all three counts. The delay between the incident and sentencing underscores the complex nature of environmental crimes and the thoroughness of the investigative process. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division played a key role in gathering evidence and building the case.

On January 23, 2006, Judge [Judge’s name not provided in case data] imposed a sentence of 48 months of probation on Wasserson. In addition to probation, Wasserson was ordered to pay $85,353 in restitution to the Modern Landfill to cover costs associated with the improperly disposed waste. A federal fine of $5,000 was also levied. While the sentence may seem lenient to some, it represents a significant penalty for a violation of federal environmental law, and serves as a deterrent to others considering similar actions.

This case serves as a stark reminder that companies and individuals are legally obligated to adhere to strict regulations when handling hazardous waste. Failure to do so not only poses a threat to public health and the environment but also carries severe legal consequences. The EPA continues to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes, ensuring that those who violate these laws are held accountable.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Gary J. Wasserson
Company: Sterling Supply Company
State: Pennsylvania
Year of Incident: 1999
Year of Sentencing: 2006
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5), 42 U.S.C. 6928(e), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1)
Penalty: 48 months probation, $85,353 restitution, $5,000 fine
Crime: Illegal transportation of hazardous waste without proper manifests and without a permit.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases