Michael W. Maynard, Hazardous Waste Violation, Illinois 2007

Peoria, IL – Michael W. Maynard, former President of TCI Manufacturing and Equipment Sales, Inc., has been penalized for illegally storing hazardous waste at the company’s Illinois facility. The case, investigated by state environmental authorities, revealed a pattern of non-compliance with state regulations concerning the handling and disposal of dangerous materials.

TCI Manufacturing, which produced conveyor systems and equipment for the aggregate industry, was found to be storing over 30 drums of hazardous waste on site. A concerning aspect of the violation was the extended duration of improper storage – some drums had been accumulating at the facility for more than four years, posing a potential risk to both the environment and public health.

The investigation, which came to light in July of 2007, quickly led to criminal charges being filed against Maynard. He was formally charged with one count each of violating Illinois Compiled Statutes 415 Sec. 5/21(f) and 415 Sec. 5/44(a). These statutes cover the improper storage and handling of hazardous waste, and failure to comply with waste management regulations, respectively. The charges alleged that TCI failed to properly identify, store, and dispose of hazardous waste generated by its manufacturing processes.

Facing mounting evidence, Maynard entered a guilty plea on July 27, 2007. The plea agreement resulted in a financial penalty, including a $2,500 state fine, and a significant restitution order totaling $67,500. Of that amount, $17,500 was directed towards the Illinois Environmental Protection Trust Fund, designed to fund environmental remediation projects. An additional $50,000 was allocated to the Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association, supporting broader regional enforcement efforts.

While the financial penalties represent a measure of accountability, environmental watchdogs emphasize the importance of proactive compliance to prevent such violations. Improper handling of hazardous waste can lead to soil and water contamination, impacting ecosystems and potentially exposing communities to harmful toxins. This case serves as a stark reminder to businesses operating in Illinois of their responsibility to adhere to strict environmental regulations.

The resolution of this case highlights the ongoing efforts of state environmental agencies to enforce hazardous waste regulations and hold individuals and companies accountable for environmental crimes. Further investigations into TCI’s waste management practices were not publicly disclosed, leaving questions about the full extent of the contamination and potential long-term environmental impacts.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Michael W. Maynard (President of TCI Manufacturing and Equipment Sales, Inc.)
Location: Illinois
Year: 2007
Violated Statutes: 415 Sec. 5/21(f) and 415 Sec. 5/44(a) of Ill. Comp. Stat.
Crime: Illegal storage of over 30 drums of hazardous waste.
Penalties: $2,500 in state fines and $67,500 in restitution ($17,500 to Illinois Environmental Protection Trust Fund and $50,000 to Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association).
Some hazardous waste drums had been stored on site for over four years.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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