St. Louis, MO – A Missouri shipyard and three of its top executives faced federal charges and penalties in 1997 for illegally dumping hazardous waste, a case that highlights the dangers of industrial pollution and disregard for environmental regulations. Meramec Marine Shipyard, Inc., along with President Edward T. Dlubac, Vice-President Thomas L. Dlubac, and General Manager Edward Theodore Dlubac, were all found guilty of violating federal law.
According to court documents, between the fall of 1995 and July 1997, the defendants knowingly buried numerous 55-gallon drums filled with ignitable hazardous waste containing dangerous levels of benzene beneath a dirt ramp on the Meramec facility grounds. Additionally, cans of ignitable paint waste, contaminated with toxic chromium and lead, were disposed of in a pit dug at the shipyard. These actions constitute a clear violation of environmental protection standards and put public health at risk.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched an investigation after receiving reports of improper waste disposal practices. Investigators discovered the buried drums and paint waste, confirming the presence of highly toxic substances. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and exposure to lead can cause severe neurological damage, particularly in children. The illegal dumping not only contaminated the shipyard property but also posed a threat to nearby waterways, as employees were also found to be discharging waste petroleum products directly into the Meramec River via pumped bilge waters.
Legal Ramifications
On July 3, 1997, the defendants were charged with four counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) – specifically, 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the knowing treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste without a permit. They were also indicted on a charge of conspiracy, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 371. Meramec Marine Shipyard, Inc. pled guilty to three of the four RCRA counts. Both Edward T. Dlubac and Thomas L. Dlubac pled guilty to two counts of RCRA violations, while Edward Theodore Dlubac also admitted guilt to two RCRA violations.
Sentencing and Penalties
The sentencing, handed down on September 24, 1997, reflected the severity of the offenses. Meramec Marine Shipyard, Inc. was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to pay a substantial federal fine of $125,000. Edward T. and Thomas L. Dlubac each received 18 months of incarceration, followed by 36 months of probation, and were each fined $4,000. Edward Theodore Dlubac received a lighter sentence of 24 months probation and a $3,000 fine.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Meramec Marine Shipyard, Inc., Edward T. Dlubac, Thomas L. Dlubac, and Edward Theodore Dlubac
- Location: Missouri
- Year: 1997
- Crime: Illegal dumping of hazardous waste (benzene, chromium, lead)
- Laws Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA), 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy)
- Penalties: $125,000 fine for the company, 18 months incarceration + fines for two individuals, probation for all.
- Method: Buried drums and cans of waste on shipyard property, discharged waste into Meramec River
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and the potentially devastating consequences of prioritizing profit over public safety. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue those who violate environmental laws, ensuring accountability and protecting communities from the dangers of hazardous waste.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
