West Chester, OH – John Grinstead and his business partner, Larry Lough, operating under the name Tri E Technologies, were sentenced in June 2010 following a criminal investigation into the illegal dumping of hazardous waste at the Skinner Landfill in West Chester, Ohio. The case, originating from a complaint to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in May 2008, revealed a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and public safety.
The EPA’s Superfund Division discovered approximately 78 cubic yards of computer monitor glass – containing dangerously high levels of lead – illegally deposited at the landfill. Testing revealed lead concentrations a staggering 80 times the regulatory limit for hazardous waste as defined under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) standards. The deteriorating containers posed an “imminent and substantial threat” to both public health and the surrounding environment, prompting a costly and urgent “time-critical removal action” by the EPA.
Investigators determined that Tri E Technologies generated the hazardous waste. The pair failed to properly manifest the waste for transport, and illegally transported and disposed of it, bypassing all required safety protocols. The EPA was ultimately forced to remove and dispose of roughly 131 tons of hazardous material, including cathode ray tubes, other e-waste, and contaminated soil, at significant expense to taxpayers. The investigation was led by the CID Cleveland Resident Office.
Legal Ramifications
On May 20, 2009, Grinstead and Lough were formally indicted on multiple charges, including failure to prepare a manifest, illegal transportation of hazardous waste, illegal disposal of hazardous waste, criminal endangerment, and causing pollution to the waters of the State of Ohio. Following a trial, both men were found guilty on all counts. The case underscores the serious consequences of improperly handling and disposing of electronic waste, which often contains highly toxic materials.
Sentencing and Fines
Grinstead received a sentence of 60 months probation and was ordered to pay a $25,000 state fine. Lough similarly received 60 months probation and a $21,000 fine. Tri E Technologies, as a corporate entity, was hit with a $31,000 fine and ordered to pay $24,973 in restitution. Critically, the court mandated that Lough and Grinstead share the financial burden of the fines levied against their company.
Key Facts
- Defendant: John Grinstead & Larry Lough (Tri E Technologies)
- Location: Skinner Landfill, West Chester, Ohio
- Waste Type: Computer monitor glass (e-waste) containing lead
- Lead Levels: 80x the RCRA hazardous waste regulatory limit
- Charges: Failure to manifest, illegal transportation/disposal of hazardous waste, criminal endangerment, water pollution
- Penalties: 60 months probation for Grinstead & Lough; $25,000 & $21,000 fines respectively; $31,000 fine + $24,973 restitution for Tri E Technologies
This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry significant legal and financial penalties, and that those who prioritize profit over public safety and environmental protection will be held accountable. The EPA continues to actively investigate and prosecute illegal dumping and hazardous waste violations nationwide.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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