Keene, NH – A former Timken Company supervisor has been sentenced following a multi-year investigation into the illegal disposal of hazardous waste. Mark E. Whippie, of Keene, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in December 2014 to two Class A misdemeanor charges related to the improper handling and storage of industrial solvents, according to court documents.
The case originated in May 2010 when the Timken Company alerted the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to a concerning situation. An employee reported that drums containing spent solvents – remnants from industrial parts cleaning at the Keene plant – had been set aside for Whippie to take home. Investigators discovered Whippie subsequently used the highly ignitable waste to heat his barn, a clear violation of state and federal regulations.
The NHDES initiated a preliminary investigation, which quickly drew the attention of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID). Agents interviewed numerous Timken employees and others involved, piecing together the details of the hazardous waste’s disappearance and its ultimate, unlawful use. The EPA-CID’s involvement underscored the seriousness of the offense and the potential environmental and safety risks associated with such actions.
Legal Ramifications
Whippie was formally charged on June 23, 2014. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office prosecuted the case, emphasizing the state’s commitment to enforcing hazardous waste regulations. Whippie was found to have violated New Hampshire laws requiring both proper permitting for hazardous waste transport and disposal, *and* mandatory reporting of any known violations of Hazardous Waste Management laws. Failure to adhere to these regulations constitutes a criminal offense.
Sentencing & Penalties
On December 29, 2014, Cheshire County Superior Court imposed the maximum penalties allowed for the misdemeanor charges. Whippie was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine *per charge*, totaling $4,000, along with a $480 penalty assessment. In addition, the court sentenced Whippie to two consecutive 10-day terms in the House of Correction, but suspended the jail time contingent upon immediate payment of the fine and a year of continued good behavior. This suspended sentence serves as a warning and incentivizes compliance with environmental regulations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Mark E. Whippie
- Location: Keene, New Hampshire
- Charges: Two Class A misdemeanor counts of failure to report unlawful disposal of hazardous waste.
- Hazardous Waste: Spent solvents from Timken Company industrial cleaning processes.
- Illegal Use: The waste solvent was used to heat the defendant’s barn.
- Penalties: $4,000 fine, and a suspended jail sentence of 20 days.
- Investigating Agencies: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) & US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-CID)
This case highlights the importance of responsible hazardous waste management and the severe consequences for those who disregard environmental regulations. The collaborative effort between state and federal agencies demonstrates a unified front in protecting public health and the environment from the dangers of improperly handled hazardous materials.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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