Savannah, GA – Maurice Miller, a former wastewater treatment plant employee, was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison on February 16, 2017, for his role in an illegal hazardous waste dumping scheme in Savannah, Georgia. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, revealed a coordinated effort to dispose of industrial waste in a manner that posed significant environmental and public health risks.
According to court documents, in February 2015, approximately 90 drums and containers of waste were illicitly dumped on CSX railroad property and at various locations throughout Savannah. Many of these containers were traced back to Boasso Savannah Shipping Terminal, a tank cleaning company, and identified as originating from Boasso America Corporation. Crucially, several drums were found to contain naphthalene, a known hazardous substance regulated under federal law.
Miller acted as an accomplice to Ray Mitchell, who previously pleaded guilty to a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) transportation violation in 2016. Mitchell received a 28-month prison sentence, three years of supervised release, 40 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay restitution. Miller’s role involved assisting Mitchell in the transportation and illegal dumping of the hazardous materials. Investigators believe the pair deliberately targeted locations to conceal the waste and avoid proper disposal costs.
Legal Ramifications
Both Miller and Mitchell were convicted of violating 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(1), a section of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) that prohibits the knowing disposal of hazardous waste in a manner that may endanger human health or the environment. The violation carries significant penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and restitution for cleanup costs. In addition to his prison sentence, Miller was ordered to pay $58,050 in restitution, jointly and severally with Mitchell, to CSX Railroad to cover the costs associated with the cleanup of the illegally dumped waste.
Environmental Impact & Ongoing Investigations
The illegal dumping incident prompted a swift response from the EPA and CSX, requiring extensive environmental remediation efforts. Naphthalene is a volatile organic compound known to cause respiratory irritation, and long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of RCRA regulations to prevent similar incidents and protect vulnerable communities from the dangers of improper hazardous waste management.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Maurice L. Miller
- Co-Defendant: Ray F. Mitchell (previously sentenced)
- Location: Savannah, Georgia
- Date of Dumping: February 2015
- Waste Material: Approximately 90 drums and containers, including those containing naphthalene.
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(1) (RCRA)
- Sentence: 28 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, 40 hours community service, $58,050 restitution.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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