EL DORADO, KS – Integrated Plastics Solutions, LLC, a plastics recycling company based in El Dorado, Kansas, has been sentenced following a federal investigation into the improper handling and storage of hazardous waste. The company, along with its owners, faced charges stemming from years of knowingly violating environmental regulations, creating potentially dangerous conditions at their facility.
According to court documents, between 2009 and July 2013, Integrated Plastics Solutions knowingly stored hazardous waste – including highly flammable paints and solvents – without the required permits. The illegal storage practices posed a significant risk of flash fire or explosion, endangering both employees and the surrounding community. Federal prosecutors detailed that the company deliberately circumvented established protocols for managing such dangerous materials, prioritizing cost savings over public safety and environmental compliance.
The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), culminated in guilty pleas from both the company and its leadership. Sean M. Riley, one of the company owners, previously admitted guilt and received 18 months of probation and was ordered to pay $39,603 in restitution. His co-owner, Brian J. Riley, was sentenced to three years of probation and also ordered to pay $39,603 in restitution. The company itself was sentenced on September 8, 2015, to a three-year probationary period, a $10,000 federal fine, and $39,603 in restitution, in addition to a $400 special assessment. The total restitution amount ordered in the case is $97,612.
Legal Ramifications
Integrated Plastics Solutions was found to have violated several key federal statutes. The charges included violations of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, as well as specific provisions within the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, the company was cited for violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), and 18 U.S.C. 2. These laws govern the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, and carry significant criminal penalties for willful non-compliance.
A Pattern of Neglect
Sources close to the investigation suggest that the violations weren’t isolated incidents, but rather a consistent pattern of neglecting safety protocols and environmental regulations. The prolonged period of illegal storage, spanning over four years, indicates a deliberate disregard for the law and a willingness to prioritize profits over responsible waste management. The EPA’s investigation uncovered numerous instances of improper labeling, inadequate containment, and a general lack of adherence to hazardous materials handling guidelines.
Future Compliance
As part of their probationary terms, Integrated Plastics Solutions is required to participate in a comprehensive compliance and ethics program. This program is designed to ensure that the company implements robust procedures for handling hazardous waste, trains its employees on proper safety protocols, and maintains ongoing compliance with all applicable environmental regulations. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom commended the EPA and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their dedication to the case and their commitment to protecting the environment.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Integrated Plastics Solutions, LLC
- Location: El Dorado, Kansas
- Crime: Illegal storage of hazardous waste (paints and solvents)
- Timeframe of Violations: 2009 – July 2013
- Laws Violated: Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) – 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), 18 U.S.C. 2
- Penalties: $10,000 fine, $39,603 restitution (company), 3 years probation (company), 18 months probation & $39,603 restitution (Sean Riley), 3 years probation & $39,603 restitution (Brian Riley). Total restitution: $97,612
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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