Minneapolis, MN – Hard Chrome, Inc., a metal plating facility, was slapped with hefty fines and placed on probation after admitting to illegally storing hazardous waste and falsifying environmental reports, according to court documents unsealed this week. The case, originating in 2004 and concluding in early 2005, highlights the dangers of industrial negligence and the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations.
Federal investigators discovered that between July and October of 1999, Hard Chrome operated its facility with severely compromised flooring. Significant gaps – several inches wide – existed between the planks of the facility’s floor. This allowed dangerous industrial waste, including liquids from plating tanks, corrosive sludge, and wastewater treatment byproducts, to leak into open lagoons within the facility’s basement. The waste contained a cocktail of toxic substances, including caustics, acids, zinc, nickel, chromium, cyanide, and other dangerous heavy metals. Critically, Hard Chrome never obtained the required Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permit to legally store such hazardous materials.
The situation presented a clear and present danger. Open pools of hazardous waste not only contaminate the surrounding environment but also pose a serious risk of injury to anyone exposed. The EPA’s investigation revealed a blatant disregard for safety protocols and environmental responsibility. Further compounding the issue, Richard Walters, an employee of Hard Chrome, knowingly submitted a false written statement in October 2000 regarding the facility’s operations – an attempt to conceal the ongoing violations.
Legal Ramifications
On December 22, 2004, Hard Chrome was formally charged with one count of violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), pertaining to the illegal storage of hazardous waste. Walters faced charges under 18 U.S.C. 1018 for making a false certification. Both defendants quickly entered guilty pleas on January 6, 2005.
Sentencing and Restitution
The sentencing, handed down on January 30, 2005, reflected the severity of the offenses. Hard Chrome was sentenced to a 24-month probationary period and ordered to pay a substantial $250,000 criminal fine. Additionally, the company was directed to provide restitution totaling $80,000, split between the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services ($42,800), the Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association (MEEA) ($10,000), and the Minneapolis Fire Department ($27,200) – the latter to purchase critical hazardous materials response equipment. Walters received 24 months of probation, a $5,000 fine, and was ordered to pay a combined $35,000 to the Federal Transportation Administration ($5,000), the MEEA ($10,000), and the Middle Mississippi Water District ($20,000).
Key Facts
- Defendant: Hard Chrome, Inc.
- Location: Minnesota
- Years of Violation: 1999-2000
- Laws Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA), 18 U.S.C. 1018 (False Statement)
- Hazardous Waste: Liquids, sludge, and wastewater containing caustics, acids, zinc, nickel, chromium, cyanide, and heavy metals.
- Penalties: $250,000 fine (Hard Chrome), $5,000 fine (Walters), Probation (both), Restitution totaling $80,000 + $35,000
This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry significant consequences, both financially and legally. The EPA continues to actively investigate and prosecute companies and individuals who prioritize profit over public health and environmental safety.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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