BENNINGTON, VT – Jon E. Goodrich, former president of the Bennington operation of Mace Personal Defense, Inc., avoided jail time but was slapped with a $100,000 criminal fine after pleading guilty to federal environmental violations. The case, stemming from a 2008 emergency removal action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, revealed years of improperly stored hazardous waste at the pepper spray and tear gas manufacturing facility.
Inspectors discovered over 80 unlabeled drums within the mill buildings, many containing ignitable and reactive hazardous waste. Critically, there were no indications of legally compliant hazardous waste storage practices. While Goodrich and Mace cooperated with the subsequent $780,000 cleanup, the investigation uncovered a pattern of negligence dating back to at least 2006. The company had reportedly received multiple removal estimates—initially around $70,000—but failed to address the mounting environmental risk.
The federal charges specifically centered on violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a law enacted by Congress to govern the safe management of hazardous waste “from cradle to grave.” Goodrich was charged with knowingly treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste without a required permit [42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)]. The government’s case alleged that Mace and Goodrich knowingly exceeded permitted hazardous waste storage limits, keeping the majority of the dangerous materials outside in shipping containers dangerously close to the Walloomsac River.
Timeline of Neglect
The situation escalated to an emergency removal action in January 2008 when the EPA deemed the improperly stored chemicals a significant threat to public health and the environment. Despite the cooperative cleanup efforts, the damage was already done. Mace Personal Defense, Inc. had previously pled guilty to a separate violation and paid a $100,000 fine related to the same illicit storage practices. Goodrich’s guilty plea on January 10, 2012, and subsequent sentencing on May 16, 2012, represent the culmination of a multi-year investigation.
Accountability and Enforcement
While Goodrich avoided incarceration and probation, the $100,000 fine serves as a warning to other companies regarding environmental compliance. U.S. Attorney Tristram Coffin emphasized the office’s commitment to vigorously enforcing federal environmental laws in Vermont and holding accountable those who fail to comply. EPA Resident-Agent-in-Charge Michael Hubbard echoed this sentiment, stating the case highlights the agency’s dedication to protecting public health and the environment.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Jon E. Goodrich, former president of Mace Personal Defense, Inc.
- Location: Bennington, Vermont
- Crime: Illegal storage of hazardous waste without a permit.
- Statute Violated: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) [42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)]
- Penalty: $100,000 criminal fine. No jail time or probation.
- Cleanup Costs: Mace and Goodrich spent over $780,000 to remediate the site.
- Previous Fine: Mace Personal Defense, Inc. previously paid a $100,000 fine for similar violations.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting hazardous waste management and the importance of proactive compliance with environmental regulations. This matter is cross-referenced with a related case involving Mace Security from FY2011, suggesting a broader pattern of environmental oversight concerns within the company.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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