COEUR D’ALENE, ID – A South Dakota man has been sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine for a negligent act that led to multiple cases of lead poisoning among his crew. John Wilhelm Myre, 55, was sentenced on August 20, 2014, after pleading guilty in March of the same year to violating the federal Clean Air Act.
The case stems from events in January 2013, when Myre, then a supervisor for Dakota Southern Railroad, directed laborers to dismantle an old railroad trestle. The trestle’s steel beams were coated with lead-based paint. Despite the known hazard, Myre authorized the use of acetylene cutting torches to dismantle the structure, releasing dangerous lead vapor into the air.
The consequences were swift and severe. One worker suffered acute lead poisoning requiring hospitalization, while the remaining crew members all exhibited dangerously elevated levels of lead in their bloodstreams. Investigators determined that Myre continued the work *after* being informed that a worker had been hospitalized, demonstrating a blatant disregard for worker safety.
Environmental Enforcement & Criminal Negligence
Tyler Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Seattle, condemned Myre’s actions as “an astonishing case of admitted negligence with tragic consequences.” Amon emphasized the preventable nature of the incident, stating the lead poisoning cases were “completely avoidable.” The EPA’s involvement highlights the agency’s commitment to pursuing criminal charges in cases of environmental violations that directly endanger public health.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale, in addition to the supervised release and fine, mandated that Myre complete an OSHA safety course focused on lead paint standards within six months. Furthermore, Myre is prohibited from possessing firearms throughout the duration of his supervised release. This restriction underscores the severity of the offense and the court’s concern for public safety.
Legal Ramifications and Penalties
Myre was found to have violated 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) of the Clean Air Act, specifically pertaining to negligent endangerment. The violation carries potential penalties including imprisonment, fines, and restitution. While Myre avoided jail time, the combination of supervised release, community service, the fine, and mandated training represents a significant legal consequence for his actions. This case serves as a cautionary tale for employers and supervisors regarding the importance of adhering to safety regulations and protecting workers from hazardous materials.
Key Facts
- Defendant: John Wilhelm Myre, 55, of South Dakota
- Crime: Negligent endangerment under the Clean Air Act
- Location: Idaho (work occurred on a railroad trestle)
- Date of Sentencing: August 20, 2014
- Penalties: Three years of supervised release, 90 hours of community service, $3,000 fine, and mandatory OSHA safety training.
- Victims: At least one worker hospitalized with acute lead poisoning; multiple others with elevated lead levels.
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4)
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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