Michael A. Raasch, Hazardous Waste Dumping, Massachusetts 2003

Barnstable, MA – A former groundskeeper has been sentenced for the illegal disposal of hazardous waste onto a protected national seashore, bringing a close to a case highlighting environmental crimes on Cape Cod. Michael A. Raasch, formerly the Head Groundskeeper at the exclusive Chequessett Yacht and Country Club, was sentenced in December 2002 after pleading guilty to federal charges related to the dumping of a mercury-based pesticide.

The incident, discovered in September 2002, involved the unlawful deposition of the toxic substance directly onto the Cape Cod National Seashore. Investigators determined Raasch knowingly circumvented proper hazardous waste disposal protocols, opting instead for an illegal and environmentally damaging solution. The pesticide, used for grounds maintenance at the country club, contains mercury – a highly toxic substance known to bioaccumulate in the food chain and pose significant risks to both wildlife and human health.

Federal prosecutors brought charges against Raasch under two key environmental statutes: the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund. Specifically, Raasch was charged with violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) for the illegal transportation of hazardous waste and 42 U.S.C. 9603 for failing to provide required notification of the hazardous substance release. The failure to notify authorities exacerbated the potential damage and hampered initial response efforts.

The investigation revealed a deliberate attempt to avoid the costs and complexities of legally disposing of the mercury-containing pesticide. Instead of contracting with a licensed hazardous waste handler, Raasch chose to illegally dump the substance, potentially contaminating soil, groundwater, and impacting the delicate ecosystem of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Environmental groups have long advocated for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas like Cape Cod.

On December 17, 2002, Raasch received a sentence of 36 months probation for his crimes. In addition to the probationary period, the court ordered him to pay $10,000 in restitution to the U.S. National Park Service to cover the costs associated with the cleanup and environmental assessment of the affected area. While the restitution aims to mitigate the damage, the long-term ecological consequences of the illegal dumping remain a concern.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Michael A. Raasch
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Crime: Illegal dumping of mercury-based pesticide
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928 (RCRA – Hazardous Waste Transportation) & 42 U.S.C. 9603 (CERCLA – Failure to Notify)
Sentence: 36 months probation & $10,000 restitution to the U.S. National Park Service
Date of Plea: September 23, 2002

The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of environmental negligence and the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect our natural resources. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of environmental laws to ensure accountability and safeguard public health and the environment.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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