Boise, ID – Krister Evertson, a former Idaho resident, spent over two years in federal prison for a dangerous scheme involving the illegal transportation and storage of highly reactive sodium metal. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and culminating in a 2008 conviction, exposed a reckless disregard for public safety and environmental regulations. Evertson’s actions ultimately triggered a costly Superfund cleanup operation at a facility in Idaho.
According to court documents, Evertson purchased 10 metric tons of sodium metal from China in 2006, intending to use it in the production of sodium borohydride. Despite failing to perfect the manufacturing process, Evertson continued to accumulate and improperly store the hazardous material. Crucially, he then engaged in the sale of the sodium metal via the internet, shipping it to customers across the United States *without* adhering to federal regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials. Sodium metal is notoriously dangerous, reacting violently with water and posing a significant fire and explosion risk.
The EPA’s investigation revealed that Evertson knowingly violated both the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Hazardous Material Transportation Act (HMTA). He stored the remaining sodium metal in unsecured 55-gallon drums at the Steel and Ranch Supply facility in Idaho, creating a substantial environmental hazard. The improper storage and handling led to contamination, necessitating a comprehensive and expensive Superfund cleanup. This cleanup involved the removal of the sodium metal and other associated hazardous wastes, diverting critical resources from other environmental remediation efforts.
Legal Ramifications
Evertson was initially indicted on September 26, 2006, facing one count of violating the HMTA (49 U.S.C. 5124) and two counts of violating the RCRA (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)). Following a trial, he was convicted on all counts on June 18, 2007. On October 22, 2007, he received a 21-month sentence of incarceration, followed by a 36-month probationary period. Beyond imprisonment, Evertson was ordered to pay a $300 special assessment fee and a substantial $421,049 in restitution to the EPA’s Superfund Emergency Response Unit, covering the costs associated with the hazardous material cleanup.
A Pattern of Disregard
Federal prosecutors argued that Evertson demonstrated a clear pattern of disregard for safety regulations and environmental protection. His attempt to profit from the sale of a dangerous substance, combined with his negligent storage practices, posed a significant threat to both the public and the environment. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to hazardous materials regulations, particularly in the context of interstate commerce.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Krister Evertson
- State: Idaho
- Year: 2008
- Violated Statutes: 42 U.S.C. 6928(e) (RCRA), 49 U.S.C. 5124 (HMTA)
- Hazardous Material: 10 metric tons of sodium metal
- Sentence: 21 months incarceration, 36 months probation
- Restitution: $421,049 to EPA Superfund Emergency Response Unit
- Cleanup Location: Steel and Ranch Supply facility, Idaho
The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of hazardous waste and transportation regulations to prevent similar incidents and protect communities from environmental harm. This case underscores the agency’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for actions that endanger public health and the environment.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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