Rembert, SC – Greg Ozzie McCoy, owner of GME Demolition, was sentenced in June 2011 after pleading guilty to illegally dumping hazardous asbestos materials in Lee County, South Carolina. The incident, uncovered in August 2009, involved the deliberate disposal of 265 bags containing friable asbestos-containing tiles and mastic near Highway 521 in Rembert, posing a significant health and environmental risk to the public.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) initially discovered the dumped materials and alerted the EPA Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Investigators determined the asbestos originated from a building renovation project undertaken by GME Demolition. McCoy readily admitted to the illegal dumping, circumventing proper disposal procedures required for hazardous waste.
Asbestos, a known carcinogen, poses serious health risks when its fibers become airborne and inhaled. Improper disposal can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The location of the dumping – just 100 feet from a major highway – heightened concerns about potential public exposure.
Legal Ramifications
On March 31, 2011, McCoy was formally indicted on one count of violating South Carolina environmental regulations. He subsequently pled guilty on June 21, 2011, to a felony violation of Causing or Permitting Pollution of the Environment (48-1-90, 320 SC Code of Laws). This specific statute prohibits the unlawful discharge of pollutants into the environment, carrying significant penalties for those who knowingly violate the law.
Sentencing and Restitution
The court sentenced McCoy to 24 months of incarceration, which was immediately suspended in favor of a 36-month probationary period. In addition to probation, McCoy was ordered to pay $8,304.84 in restitution to SCDHEC to cover the costs associated with the cleanup and remediation of the illegally dumped asbestos. This restitution is intended to reimburse the state agency for the resources expended in mitigating the environmental damage and protecting public health.
Ongoing Concerns
This case highlights the continued threat posed by illegal hazardous waste dumping and the importance of stringent enforcement of environmental regulations. While McCoy faced legal consequences for his actions, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential long-term health and environmental impacts associated with asbestos exposure. Authorities urge anyone suspecting illegal dumping to report it immediately to the SCDHEC or the EPA.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Greg Ozzie McCoy
- Crime: Illegal Asbestos Dumping
- Location: Rembert, South Carolina
- Date of Discovery: August 2009
- Statute Violated: 48-1-90, 320 SC Code of Laws (Causing or Permitting Pollution of the Environment)
- Sentence: 24 months suspended, 36 months probation
- Restitution: $8,304.84 to SCDHEC
- Materials Dumped: 265 bags of asbestos-containing tiles and mastic
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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