Olympia, WA – Joel Stephen Atwood was sentenced in March 1995 following a guilty plea related to the illegal storage of hazardous waste in Washington state. The case, brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and public safety, leaving a contaminated legacy for local authorities to address.
The investigation revealed that Atwood, operating under Atwood Plastics, improperly stored approximately 185 55-gallon drums filled with spent acetone and acetone still bottoms. Roughly 150 drums were discovered on a vacant lot adjacent to the plastics facility, while an additional 35 drums were located at Atwood Plastic’s former site. The accumulation of these materials constituted a significant environmental hazard, posing potential risks of soil and water contamination.
Federal prosecutors indicted Atwood on October 18, 1994, charging him with a single count of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, the indictment cited 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the unlawful storage of hazardous waste at a facility lacking interim status or the necessary permit. The EPA’s criminal enforcement division initiated the investigation after receiving complaints regarding the improper handling and abandonment of the hazardous materials.
Atwood entered a guilty plea on January 6, 1995, acknowledging his responsibility for the illegal storage. The sentencing, handed down on March 17, 1995, included a combined punishment of incarceration and supervised release. Atwood received a 30-day jail sentence, followed by 90 days of home confinement and a 36-month probationary period. Beyond the direct penalties, Atwood was also ordered to pay $19,327.98 in restitution, intended to cover the costs associated with the cleanup and proper disposal of the abandoned hazardous waste.
Perhaps the most crucial component of the sentencing was the directive requiring Atwood to legally remove and dispose of all remaining hazardous waste from the contaminated properties. This obligation placed the financial and logistical burden of remediation squarely on the defendant, ensuring that the environmental damage caused by his actions would not fall on taxpayers. The EPA continues to monitor sites like these to ensure compliance and prevent future violations of hazardous waste regulations.
The Atwood case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences associated with environmental crimes. The EPA’s commitment to prosecuting such offenses underscores the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect both human health and the environment. Improper handling of hazardous waste not only presents immediate dangers but can also lead to long-term ecological damage and substantial cleanup costs.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Joel Stephen Atwood
- State: Washington
- Year: 1995
- Crime: Illegal storage of hazardous waste
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Hazardous Waste: Approximately 185 55-gallon drums of spent acetone and acetone still bottoms.
- Penalties: 30 days incarceration, 90 days home confinement, 36 months probation, $19,327.98 restitution, and mandated hazardous waste removal/disposal.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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