Nanticoke Homes, Hazardous Waste, DE 1991

Greenwood, Delaware – Nanticoke Homes, a prefabricated home manufacturer, faced federal charges in 1991 for violating environmental regulations concerning the handling and disposal of hazardous waste. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of knowingly storing ignitable hazardous wastes without the required permits and failing to report the release of these substances into the environment. The company’s actions sparked an investigation that ultimately led to a guilty plea and significant financial penalties.

According to court documents, Nanticoke Homes generated ignitable hazardous waste as a byproduct of its manufacturing process. Despite being legally obligated to do so, the company did not obtain the necessary permits for the storage and handling of these dangerous materials. This failure put both the environment and local communities at risk. Furthermore, the EPA determined Nanticoke Homes possessed knowledge of a hazardous substance release but failed to notify the appropriate authorities, a critical component of environmental protection protocols.

The indictment, handed down on March 26, 1991, charged Nanticoke Homes with violations of two key federal statutes: the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) – specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – which governs the management of hazardous waste from “cradle-to-grave,” and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) – 42 U.S.C. 9603(b) – requiring notification of hazardous substance releases. The company swiftly entered a guilty plea, acknowledging its failure to comply with environmental regulations.

The sentencing, delivered on July 30, 1991, reflected the seriousness of the offenses. Nanticoke Homes received 36 months of probation for each of the two counts, to be served concurrently. In addition to probation, the court mandated 400 hours of community service, with a stipulation that 25% of those hours be completed by corporate officers or directors. This requirement aimed to ensure accountability reached the highest levels of the organization. The financial penalties totaled $300,000, consisting of $150,000 for each count, plus a $400 special assessment.

The EPA’s enforcement action against Nanticoke Homes underscores the agency’s commitment to holding companies accountable for environmental violations. The case serves as a stark reminder that improper handling of hazardous waste not only poses a threat to public health and the environment but also carries significant legal and financial consequences. Sources close to the investigation suggest the EPA focused on the deliberate nature of Nanticoke Homes’ actions, highlighting the company’s awareness of its legal obligations and its conscious decision to disregard them.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Nanticoke Homes, Inc.
Location: Greenwood, Delaware
Year: 1991
Crime: Illegal storage of hazardous waste and failure to report a release.
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 9603(b) (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (RCRA)
Penalties: 36 months probation (concurrent), 400 hours community service (25% by officers/directors), $300,000 fine + $400 assessment.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental enforcement cases and report on companies that prioritize profit over public safety and environmental responsibility.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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