John Grinstead, Illegal Disposal of Hazardous Waste, Ohio 2008

West Chester, OH – A Fairfield, Ohio electronics recycling operation and its owners were penalized following the illegal dumping of hazardous waste at the Skinner Landfill in 2008. John Grinstead, along with business partner Larry Lough, operating under the name Tri E Technologies, knowingly disposed of 78 cubic yards of computer monitor glass containing dangerously high levels of lead, triggering a Superfund cleanup operation and subsequent criminal charges.

The initial complaint came to the CID Cleveland Resident Office from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5, Superfund Division, flagging the concerning waste at the Skinner Landfill. Investigators quickly discovered the discarded glass, originating from Tri E Technologies, contained lead concentrations a staggering 80 times the regulatory limit for hazardous waste as defined under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This posed an immediate and substantial threat to both public health and the environment, necessitating a “time-critical removal action” by the EPA.

The EPA’s response involved the disposal of approximately 131 tons of hazardous material, encompassing not only the cathode ray tubes and e-waste but also the surrounding contaminated soil. The cleanup was a costly and complex undertaking, directly linked to the negligent and illegal actions of Tri E Technologies. Authorities allege Grinstead and Lough intentionally circumvented proper hazardous waste handling procedures to cut costs, putting the community at risk.

On May 20, 2009, both Grinstead and Lough were formally indicted on multiple charges, including failure to prepare a hazardous waste 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 highlights the serious consequences of improper e-waste disposal and the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations.

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Sentencing and Penalties

On June 29, 2010, sentencing was handed down. John Grinstead received 60 months of probation and was ordered to pay a $25,000 state fine. Larry Lough also received 60 months probation and a $21,000 fine. Tri E Technologies faced the heaviest financial burden, with a $31,000 fine and a $24,973 restitution order. Critically, Lough and Grinstead were jointly responsible for covering the fines levied against their company, effectively doubling their individual financial penalties.

Key Facts

Defendant(s): John Grinstead, Larry Lough, Tri E Technologies
Location: Skinner Landfill, West Chester, Ohio
Date of Incident: May 9, 2008
Waste Type: Computer monitor glass (cathode ray tubes, e-waste)
Hazard: Lead concentration 80x the RCRA regulatory limit
Charges: Failure to prepare manifest, illegal transportation & disposal of hazardous waste, criminal endangerment, water pollution.
Penalties: Up to 60 months probation, $25,000 individual fines, $31,000 company fine, $24,973 restitution.

This case serves as a stark reminder that improper disposal of electronic waste can have severe environmental and legal repercussions. Authorities are urging businesses to adhere to strict hazardous waste regulations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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