Indiana Metal Treating Company, Environmental Crime, IN 1997

Gary, Indiana – Indiana Metal Treating Company, Inc. faced legal repercussions in 1997 following a state investigation into improper hazardous waste handling and disposal practices. The company was found to be illegally storing and disposing of dangerous materials at its facility, posing a potential threat to both the environment and public health.

The investigation, initiated in late 1993, revealed that the company was systematically storing hazardous waste sludge and contaminated process waters in a basement sump area of its facility. Further examination uncovered evidence of unpermitted storage of hazardous waste in both the basement and an underground storage tank located on the property. Authorities also determined that the company was unlawfully discharging hazardous contaminants into the city’s sewer system, circumventing established environmental regulations.

Perhaps most concerning, investigators discovered evidence of direct disposal of hazardous solvents into the ground near the property’s fence line. This practice, a blatant violation of environmental laws, risked contaminating soil and potentially groundwater, creating a long-term ecological hazard. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) spearheaded the investigation, gathering evidence and building a case against the company and its responsible parties.

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Legal Proceedings and Penalties

On December 16, 1993, the State of Indiana filed an eight-count information against Indiana Metal Treating Company, charging them with violations of the Indiana Environmental Management Act, specifically Indiana Code (I.C.) 13-7-13-1 and 13-7-4-1(a), both classified as Class D felonies. Keifer, a representative of the company, bore the brunt of the criminal charges.

After years of legal maneuvering, on February 20, 1997, Keifer ultimately pled guilty to a single Class D felony charge under the Indiana Management Act. The guilty plea acknowledged the company’s failure to adhere to environmental regulations and their responsibility for the illegal disposal of hazardous materials. As part of the sentencing, Keifer was ordered to pay $10,000 towards fines and associated costs. While a conviction was secured, some environmental advocacy groups at the time criticized the penalty as insufficient given the extent of the environmental damage and the deliberate nature of the violations.

Key Facts

Defendant: Indiana Metal Treating Company, Inc.
Location: Gary, Indiana
Statutes Violated: Indiana Code (I.C.) 13-7-13-1 and 13-7-4-1(a) – Indiana Environmental Management Act (Class D Felonies)
Illegal Activities: Unpermitted storage of hazardous waste, unlawful discharge of contaminants into sewer system, and improper disposal of hazardous solvents into the ground.
Penalty: $10,000 fine and costs paid by Keifer.
Timeline: Charges filed December 1993, Guilty Plea February 1997

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over responsible waste management. GrimyTimes will continue to monitor and report on environmental crimes to hold polluters accountable and protect communities from harm.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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