Jerry Dean Randrup, Sr, Hazardous Waste, TX 1999

Madera, TX – In 1999, Jerry Dean Randrup, Sr. was sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay over $20,000 in restitution after illegally dumping hazardous waste on residential land in Texas. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighted the dangers of improper waste disposal and the potential health risks to nearby communities.

According to court documents, Randrup knowingly disposed of two 55-gallon drums of spent solvents on property he owned. Disturbingly, the land was occupied by two families at the time of the dumping, placing them in direct proximity to the potentially toxic materials. The EPA’s investigation revealed a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and public safety.

On February 3, 1999, a superseding indictment was filed against Randrup and two other individuals, initially charging them with violations of both the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA). However, the charges against the two additional defendants were ultimately dropped. Randrup, facing mounting evidence, entered a guilty plea on June 21, 1999, to a single count of violating the Clean Water Act.

The prosecution centered on Randrup’s deliberate act of disposing of hazardous waste in a manner that could contaminate the surrounding environment. The spent solvents posed a significant threat to groundwater and soil, potentially causing long-term health problems for the families living nearby. Investigators confirmed the drums were not disposed of through any legal or regulated channels.

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Legal Ramifications & Sentencing

Randrup’s conviction under 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) of the Clean Water Act, which prohibits the knowing violation of the Act, resulted in a six-month prison sentence. Following his release, he was placed on 12 months of probation. Furthermore, the court ordered Randrup to pay a total of $20,032 in restitution. A substantial portion, $18,472, was directed to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, while the remaining $1,560 was allocated to the Madera County Health Department to cover remediation and monitoring costs.

Key Facts

Defendant: Jerry Dean Randrup, Sr.
Location: Texas
Year: 1999
Crime: Illegal disposal of hazardous waste (spent solvents)
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) (Clean Water Act), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA – initial charges dismissed)
Penalties: 6 months incarceration, 12 months probation, $20,032 restitution
Victims: Two families residing near the disposal site were exposed to potential health risks.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and holding individuals accountable for endangering public health and the environment. While the RCRA charges were dismissed, the CWA conviction underscores the severity of illegally dumping hazardous materials, even on privately owned land.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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