Milwaukee, WI – Larry Christopherson, owner of Nardi Electric, was sentenced in May 1994 following a guilty plea to federal charges of illegally dumping hazardous waste in Wisconsin. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a deliberate abandonment of dangerous materials after receiving payment for their proper disposal.
According to court documents, Christopherson accepted funds from Westinghouse Electric for the handling and disposal of twenty-three 55-gallon drums. These drums contained a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and various industrial solvents – both highly regulated under federal law due to their toxicity and potential environmental impact. Instead of arranging for lawful disposal, Christopherson loaded the drums onto a semi-trailer and illegally abandoned them at an undisclosed off-site location.
The EPA’s investigation quickly identified the abandoned drums and traced them back to Nardi Electric and Christopherson. The abandonment constituted a clear violation of both the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). RCRA governs the management of hazardous waste from “cradle to grave,” ensuring its safe handling, storage, and disposal. TSCA specifically regulates PCBs, known carcinogens that pose significant risks to human health and the environment.
Christopherson was initially charged on November 28, 1993, with two counts: one under 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) for the illegal storage and disposal of ignitable hazardous waste, and another under 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) for the illegal storage and disposal of PCBs. He entered a guilty plea to both counts on January 7, 1994, acknowledging his responsibility for the unlawful dumping.
On May 3, 1994, Christopherson received a sentence of 36 months probation, requiring him to perform 100 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay a $75 special assessment fee and, critically, to cover all costs associated with the cleanup of the illegally dumped materials. The cleanup costs were to be satisfied within twelve months of sentencing, placing the financial burden of remediation squarely on the defendant.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Larry Christopherson, Owner of Nardi Electric
- Location: Wisconsin
- Year: 1994
- Waste: 23 x 55-gallon drums of PCBs and solvents
- Violated Laws: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA), 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) (TSCA)
- Penalty: 36 months probation, 100 hours community service, $75 fee, cleanup costs
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on those who endanger public health and the environment for financial gain. The case of Larry Christopherson serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences awaiting those who disregard federal regulations designed to protect our communities.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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