Michael J. Redding II, Hazardous Waste Transportation, Missouri 2013

St. Louis, MO – Michael J. Redding II was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from the illegal transportation of hazardous waste in Missouri. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and public safety.

According to court documents, Redding acquired the assets of a bankrupt printing business in early 2010. Shortly after, in April of the same year, Redding directed a crew of five individuals to remove materials from the facility. Among these materials were numerous drums containing hazardous waste – the specific contents of which remain undisclosed. Critically, the transportation of these drums was conducted entirely outside the bounds of the law.

Instead of adhering to proper hazardous waste disposal protocols, Redding instructed his crew to transport the drums to a facility not authorized to store such materials. Most damningly, no hazardous waste manifest accompanied the shipment. A manifest is a tracking document required by federal law to detail the type, quantity, and destination of hazardous waste, ensuring responsible handling and preventing illegal dumping. The absence of a manifest immediately raised red flags for investigators.

Legal Ramifications

Redding was formally charged on February 15, 2012, with violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, he faced charges under 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1) for knowingly transporting hazardous waste and 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5) for knowingly transporting hazardous waste without a required manifest. These violations carry significant penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of improper hazardous waste handling.

Sentencing and Restitution

On March 1, 2013, Redding entered a guilty plea to the charges. The court handed down a sentence on June 4, 2013, of 36 months of probation, with the first six months to be served under home detention. In addition to the probationary sentence, Redding was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to cover the costs associated with cleaning up the improperly transported hazardous waste. The restitution aims to address the financial burden placed on authorities to mitigate the environmental risks created by Redding’s actions.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Michael J. Redding II
• Crime: Illegal Transportation of Hazardous Waste
• State: Missouri
• Year: 2013
• Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5)
• Sentence: 36 months probation, 6 months home detention, $9,000 restitution
• Method: Transported drums of hazardous waste from a bankrupt printing business to an unpermitted facility without a manifest.

The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of environmental laws, emphasizing that responsible handling of hazardous waste is crucial for protecting public health and the environment. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for those who attempt to circumvent these vital regulations.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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