Robersonville, NC – Lee Vann Crawford, owner and operator of Eastern Electronics Recycling, USA, has been sentenced to five years of probation for illegally storing and failing to properly dispose of hazardous electronic waste in Martin County, North Carolina. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reveals a pattern of negligent handling of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) – the glass components found in older televisions and computer monitors – leading to significant environmental contamination.
Eastern Electronics Recycling, ostensibly involved in the responsible collection and processing of e-waste, instead became a repository for a growing mountain of discarded electronics at a facility located at 800 W. Green Street in Robersonville. Beginning as early as 2012, Crawford amassed large quantities of CRTs, many of which were broken down, scrapped, and even shattered on the property. This process released dangerous levels of lead into the surrounding environment.
The EPA initiated an investigation culminating in a search warrant execution in June 2019. Samples collected from various points on the property revealed alarming concentrations of lead, ranging from 102 to 188 milligrams per liter – far exceeding the hazardous waste threshold of five milligrams per liter. Despite the known dangers and the volume of hazardous materials, Crawford operated without obtaining the necessary permits from either the EPA or the State of North Carolina.
The failure to secure proper permits and implement safe disposal practices constitutes a clear violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A). This federal law governs the management of hazardous waste from “cradle to grave,” ensuring responsible handling to protect human health and the environment. Crawford’s actions not only posed a direct threat to the local community but also demonstrated a blatant disregard for environmental regulations.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Crawford’s five-year probation is contingent upon full compliance with a separate order issued by the State of North Carolina. This order mandates the complete remediation of the contaminated property at Crawford’s expense. The cleanup will likely involve the careful removal and proper disposal of the remaining e-waste, as well as soil remediation to address the lead contamination. The full cost of the remediation has not been publicly disclosed.
This case highlights the growing problem of illegal e-waste dumping and the associated environmental risks. While many legitimate e-waste recyclers operate responsibly, rogue operators like Crawford exploit loopholes and prioritize profit over public safety. The EPA continues to emphasize the importance of proper e-waste recycling and encourages citizens to report suspected violations of environmental regulations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Lee Vann Crawford
- Location: Robersonville, North Carolina (Martin County)
- Crime: Illegal storage and disposal of hazardous e-waste (CRTs)
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Hazardous Substance: Lead released from shattered CRTs
- Lead Levels: 102-188 milligrams per liter (exceeding hazardous waste threshold of 5 mg/L)
- Penalty: 5 years probation and mandatory property remediation at defendant’s expense.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on the progress of the property remediation.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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