CHICAGO, IL – Lawrence Bordner, owner and operator of Bordner Manufacturing Company, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison in 1995 after pleading guilty to illegally disposing of hazardous waste. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of reckless environmental disregard spanning approximately fifteen years.
Bordner Manufacturing specialized in the production of hardware components for refrigerators. The manufacturing process involved plating these components with a variety of metals – copper, nickel, chrome, cadmium, and zinc – generating significant quantities of hazardous waste. Instead of adhering to federal regulations for proper disposal, Bordner deliberately circumvented the law, opting for a cheaper, albeit illegal, method.
According to court documents, Bordner directed the discharge of the toxic waste directly into a floor drain within the manufacturing facility. This drain ultimately led to an unauthorized release into the surrounding environment. Furthermore, Bordner ordered the dumping of hazardous waste materials onto the grounds behind the facility, exposing the land and potentially local waterways to contamination. This practice continued unabated for roughly a decade and a half, demonstrating a persistent disregard for both environmental protection and public health.
The EPA’s investigation began to gain momentum in 1994, culminating in charges filed against Bordner on September 23rd. He was charged with violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. §6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste. Faced with mounting evidence, Bordner entered a guilty plea, accepting responsibility for his actions.
The sentencing, handed down by a federal judge, included a 15-month term of incarceration with no possibility of parole. While the prison sentence served as a direct consequence for Bordner’s criminal activity, the long-term environmental impact of the illegal dumping remains a concern. Remediation efforts at the site may be necessary to address the contamination and restore the land to a safe condition. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations and the serious consequences awaiting those who prioritize profit over public safety.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Lawrence Bordner
- Company: Bordner Manufacturing Company
- Location: Illinois
- Year: 1995
- Crime: Illegal Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. §6928(d)(2)(A) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Penalty: 15 months incarceration, no parole
- Waste Type: Heavy metal plating waste (copper, nickel, chrome, cadmium, zinc)
GrimyTimes will continue to follow any potential environmental remediation efforts related to this case.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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