George Mills, Hazardous Waste Violation, AL 1985

Nashville, TN & Semmes, AL – George Mills was sentenced to five years’ probation and a $30,000 fine in 1985 following a multi-state investigation into the illegal storage and handling of hazardous waste. The case, originating with a September 1984 indictment, spanned Tennessee and Alabama, revealing a pattern of non-compliance with federal environmental regulations.

According to court documents, Mills operated facilities in Nashville and Smyrna, Tennessee, and Semmes, Alabama, where hazardous waste was stored without the necessary permits. Critically, Mills also failed to notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the existence of these facilities, a direct violation of federal law. The EPA requires such notification to ensure proper oversight and management of potentially dangerous materials, protecting both public health and the environment.

The initial four-count indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, alleged two counts of storing hazardous waste without a permit, violating Section 3008(d)(2)(A) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) – codified as 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A). The remaining two counts concerned the failure to report the existence of the hazardous waste facilities, breaching Section 103(c) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund – 42 U.S.C. 9603(c).

Mills entered a guilty plea to two CERCLA violations in Tennessee and one in Alabama on November 12, 1984, under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 20. A subsequent one-count information was filed in the Southern District of Alabama, further detailing the failure to notify regarding the Semmes facility. The prosecution highlighted the severity of the omissions, arguing they hindered the EPA’s ability to assess and mitigate potential environmental damage.

The sentencing, handed down on January 29, 1985, included the 60-month probation period, the $30,000 fine, and a unique condition: Mills was ordered to submit a full written account of his actions and recommendations for compliance to professional journals in the environmental field. This stipulation suggests the court aimed not only to punish the defendant but also to contribute to a broader understanding of hazardous waste management and prevent future violations.

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Key Facts

Defendant: George Mills
Location: Nashville & Smyrna, TN; Semmes, AL
Year: 1985
Violated Statutes: 42 U.S.C. 9603(c) (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA)
Charges: Illegal storage of hazardous waste and failure to notify the EPA of hazardous waste facilities.
Penalty: 60 months probation, $30,000 fine, and requirement to publish findings in professional journals.

This case, while dating back to the mid-1980s, underscores the ongoing importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations. The improper handling of hazardous waste poses significant risks to communities and ecosystems, and the EPA continues to vigorously pursue enforcement actions against those who violate the law. The details reveal a deliberate disregard for established protocols designed to safeguard public welfare and environmental health.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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