Philadelphia, PA – John Patrick Sohocky, owner and operator of A-Quality Environmental Services, was sentenced to six months in federal prison in September 1996 for knowingly violating federal asbestos removal and disposal regulations. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of negligence and disregard for public health and environmental safety during a hazardous waste removal project in Philadelphia.
Sohocky’s company, A-Quality, was contracted to remove asbestos from an industrial site near a grain elevator in February 1995. The EPA alleges that Sohocky, acting as both owner, operator and project manager, failed to adhere to crucial safety protocols outlined in the Clean Air Act’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) related to asbestos. These failures put workers and the surrounding community at risk of exposure to the dangerous fibers.
According to court documents, Sohocky deliberately circumvented established procedures for asbestos removal, collection, and disposal. Investigators found evidence suggesting a conscious effort to minimize costs at the expense of worker safety and environmental protection. The specific violations detailed in the information included inadequate containment measures, improper handling of asbestos-containing materials, and a failure to utilize appropriate protective equipment for personnel involved in the removal process.
The charges against Sohocky initially stemmed from an information filed in February 1995, citing two counts of violating the Clean Air Act (42 USC 7413(c)). He initially contested the charges, but ultimately pleaded guilty to both counts in June 1996. The prosecution argued that Sohocky’s actions demonstrated a clear intent to profit from hazardous waste removal while knowingly endangering others.
Sentencing & Rehabilitation
At sentencing on September 6, 1996, Judge [Reporter’s note: Judge’s name not available in provided data] imposed a six-month prison sentence, followed by a 36-month period of supervised release. Notably, the judge also mandated that Sohocky undergo mental health treatment as part of his rehabilitation. This stipulation suggests the court recognized potential underlying issues contributing to the defendant’s disregard for safety regulations. The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal charges against individuals who knowingly violate environmental laws and endanger public health.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure and the critical importance of adhering to strict safety standards during its removal and disposal. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of the Clean Air Act to protect communities from hazardous air pollutants and hold accountable those who prioritize profit over public welfare.
Key Facts
- Defendant: John Patrick Sohocky
- Company: A-Quality Environmental Services
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Year: 1996
- Statutes Violated: 42 USC 7413(c) – Clean Air Act (NESHAP asbestos standards) & 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy)
- Penalties: Six months incarceration, 36 months supervised release, mental health treatment
- Crime: Improper asbestos removal and disposal
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
