Microchemical Corporation, Illegal Dumping, LA 1995

New Orleans, LA – Microchemical Corporation has been sentenced following a guilty plea to federal charges of illegally dumping hazardous waste in Louisiana, according to court documents unsealed this week. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights a pattern of environmental violations by the company and underscores the ongoing federal efforts to prosecute those who endanger public health and the environment.

The investigation revealed that Microchemical Corporation transported pesticides to an agricultural field and subsequently disposed of the resulting waste at an unpermitted site. This practice directly violates the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the primary federal law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Federal prosecutors allege the company knowingly circumvented established regulations designed to protect communities from the dangers of improper waste management.

The charges stemmed from an information filed on February 15, 1995, alleging a single count of violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1), specifically the illegal transportation of hazardous waste to an unapproved facility. The EPA’s criminal investigation unit, working in conjunction with the Department of Justice, gathered evidence demonstrating the company’s deliberate disregard for environmental safeguards. Investigators reportedly traced the waste back to Microchemical through shipping manifests and on-site analysis.

On March 16, 1995, Microchemical Corporation entered a guilty plea to the federal charge. The sentencing, handed down on June 20, 1995, included a probationary period of 60 months and a substantial financial penalty totaling $500,000. A significant portion of the fine is contingent upon the company’s full compliance with a separate civil order pertaining to the cleanup of the contaminated site. However, $25,000 will be paid as a fine, and an additional $14,000 will be paid to cover prosecution costs, regardless of compliance with the civil order.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Microchemical Corporation
Location: Louisiana
Year: 1995
Crime: Illegal dumping of hazardous pesticide waste at an unpermitted site.
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Penalty: 60 months probation and a $500,000 fine (potentially suspended upon civil order compliance), plus $25,000 fine and $14,000 for prosecution costs.

GrimyTimes has reached out to representatives of Microchemical Corporation for comment but has not yet received a response. The EPA has stated that this case serves as a warning to other companies considering similar violations. “The illegal disposal of hazardous waste poses a serious threat to our communities and the environment,” stated an EPA spokesperson. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who put profits ahead of public safety.” The cleanup of the affected agricultural field is ongoing, and the long-term environmental impact remains under assessment.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases