Jefferson Davis County, MS – Insulation Foam and Roofing Inc. (IFR) and its principal, David Aultman, faced federal penalties after being convicted of illegally transporting and dumping hazardous waste in rural Mississippi. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concluded in February 1999 with significant financial restitution and a jail sentence for Aultman.
Between September 1994 and September 1995, IFR and Aultman systematically transported drums containing dangerous substances to a property owned by Aultman in Jefferson Davis County. Rather than properly disposing of the waste, they illegally dumped it, creating a potential environmental hazard and exposing the local community to risks.
The hazardous materials discovered in the drums included xylene and methyl ethyl ketone – both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with known health risks. Exposure to these chemicals can cause respiratory irritation, neurological effects, and long-term environmental damage. Investigators believe the waste originated from IFR’s roofing and insulation operations, but the full scope of the illegally dumped materials remains unclear.
Legal Ramifications
The actions of IFR and Aultman directly violated the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the primary federal law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Specifically, they were found guilty of violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1), which prohibits the unlawful transport of hazardous waste, and 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2), which addresses the illegal disposal of hazardous waste. These violations carry both criminal and civil penalties.
Sentencing and Restitution
On February 12, 1999, the court ordered Insulation Foam and Roofing Inc. to pay $29,914 in restitution to cover the costs associated with cleaning up the contaminated site. David Aultman received a six-month sentence of confinement, highlighting the seriousness with which federal authorities treat environmental crimes. The restitution aimed to address the immediate environmental damage, but the long-term effects of the illegal dumping are still being assessed.
Ongoing Concerns
This case underscores the persistent problem of illegal hazardous waste dumping, particularly in rural areas where oversight may be limited. The EPA continues to investigate and prosecute companies and individuals who prioritize profit over environmental protection and public health. The incident serves as a stark reminder that proper waste disposal is crucial for safeguarding communities and ecosystems.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Insulation Foam and Roofing Inc. and David Aultman
- Location: Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi
- Dates of Offense: September 1994 – September 1995
- Hazardous Waste: Xylene and Methyl Ethyl Ketone
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- Penalties: $29,914 restitution (IFR), 6 months confinement (Aultman)
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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