Cedar City, UT – Keith Allred was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after pleading guilty to illegally disposing of hazardous waste at the site of the former Emerald Coach Works. The case, brought forth by state regulators, highlights the dangers of improper chemical disposal and the potential for long-term environmental damage.
According to court documents, Allred, while dismantling equipment at the Emerald Coach Works facility, removed a floor hoist. Instead of properly disposing of associated hazardous materials, Allred excavated a pit on the property. He then deposited a 55-gallon drum containing methylethylketone – a highly flammable and toxic solvent – into the hole before backfilling it with soil and covering the area with concrete. This deliberate act concealed the hazardous waste, preventing its proper identification and remediation.
The incident came to light following an investigation triggered by the decommissioning of the Emerald Coach Works. Authorities discovered the concealed drum during a site assessment, prompting a full-scale investigation that ultimately led to Allred’s indictment on August 17, 2001. Investigators determined Allred knowingly violated state regulations concerning the handling and disposal of hazardous materials, demonstrating a reckless disregard for environmental safety and public health.
The deliberate concealment of the methylethylketone poses significant risks. Methylethylketone, commonly used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and adhesives, can contaminate soil and groundwater, potentially impacting drinking water sources and ecosystems. Long-term exposure can cause respiratory problems, neurological damage, and other serious health issues. The EPA’s involvement underscores the federal agency’s commitment to pursuing cases involving the illegal disposal of dangerous substances, even when violations are initially prosecuted at the state level.
Legal Ramifications
Allred was found to have violated specific state regulations concerning hazardous waste management. While the exact statute numbers weren’t publicly released, the charges centered around improper disposal of a regulated substance and the intentional concealment of environmental contamination. On September 26, 2001, the court handed down a sentence of 60 months (five years) incarceration and a restitution order of $35,000, payable to the EPA to cover the costs of site remediation and environmental monitoring.
This case serves as a stark warning to individuals and businesses handling hazardous materials. Proper disposal procedures, including manifesting, labeling, and utilizing licensed treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs), are crucial to prevent environmental harm and avoid severe legal penalties. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow cases involving environmental crimes and report on efforts to protect communities from the dangers of illegal pollution.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Keith Allred
- Crime: Illegal Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Location: Cedar City, Utah (former Emerald Coach Works)
- Date of Incident: 2001
- Hazardous Substance: Methylethylketone (contained in a 55-gallon drum)
- Sentence: 60 months incarceration
- Restitution: $35,000 to the U.S. EPA
- Laws Violated: Utah State Hazardous Waste Regulations
Note: Specific statute numbers were not available in the provided case data.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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