CHARLESTON, WV – A former employee of Vision Technologies, Inc. (VTI) was sentenced in January 2007 after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from a hazardous waste storage scheme. Gary L. Crossen, of West Virginia, was found to have knowingly falsified records related to the accumulation dates of hazardous waste drums stored at a VTI warehouse.
The scheme came to light during a routine inspection of the VTI facility. Investigators discovered a significant number of drums containing hazardous waste had been altered with newer accumulation dates. This manipulation was a deliberate attempt to conceal the fact that the drums had been stored on-site for far longer than permitted under federal regulations. VTI was authorized to store hazardous waste for a maximum of ten days before proper disposal procedures were required.
According to court documents, Crossen, acting as an employee of VTI, intentionally altered the dates on the drums and associated manifests. This effectively masked the prolonged storage of the hazardous materials, creating a false impression of compliance during potential inspections. The altered manifests misrepresented the length of time the waste had been accumulating at the facility, hindering regulatory oversight.
Crossen was initially indicted on July 18, 2006, with one count of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). He subsequently entered a guilty plea on October 2, 2006. The prosecution argued that Crossen’s actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for environmental regulations and public safety, as improper handling and storage of hazardous waste can pose significant risks to both human health and the environment.
Legal Ramifications
The specific statute violated was 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the knowing treatment, storage, or disposal of any hazardous waste in violation of RCRA regulations. As a result of his guilty plea, Crossen was sentenced to 36 months of probation and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee. While the penalties appear relatively minor, environmental enforcement experts note that these cases often serve as a deterrent and highlight the importance of strict adherence to hazardous waste management protocols.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Gary L. Crossen
- Company: Vision Technologies, Inc. (VTI)
- State: West Virginia
- Year: 2007
- Crime: Hazardous Waste Fraud/RCRA Violation
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(2)(A)
- Penalty: 36 months probation, $100 assessment
- Details: Altered accumulation dates on hazardous waste drums to conceal extended storage beyond the 10-day limit.
The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of RCRA regulations, emphasizing the need for responsible hazardous waste management practices to protect communities and the environment. This case serves as a reminder that intentional falsification of records and non-compliance with environmental laws will be met with legal consequences.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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