Colchester, CT – Nerdmarc, Incorporated, a truck trailer leasing facility, and its owner, Henry R. Edelberg, were convicted of illegally dumping hazardous waste on company property in 1992, bringing to light a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and public safety. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of unauthorized storage and disposal of dangerous materials, ultimately leading to guilty pleas and significant penalties.
The investigation began in December 1991, when authorities charged Nerdmarc and Edelberg with two counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Evidence indicated the company had been burying approximately 20 drums containing industrial solvents and cyanides on the Colchester property, a practice strictly prohibited without proper permits and environmental safeguards. The location, owned two-thirds by Edelberg himself, became a clandestine dumping ground, posing a potential threat to local groundwater and surrounding ecosystems.
According to court documents, Nerdmarc failed to adhere to federal regulations concerning the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Instead of utilizing licensed disposal facilities, the company opted for a cheaper, albeit illegal, method – direct burial. This practice not only circumvented environmental protections but also exposed workers and the local community to potentially harmful toxins. The EPA’s criminal enforcement program aims to deter such behavior through rigorous investigation and prosecution.
On May 27, 1992, both Nerdmarc, Inc. and Edelberg entered guilty pleas to the two RCRA violations. The admission of guilt marked a turning point in the case, acknowledging the severity of the environmental crimes committed. The prosecution successfully argued that Edelberg, as president and operator of Nerdmarc, bore direct responsibility for the company’s actions and demonstrated a clear intent to violate environmental laws.
Penalties & Restitution
In July 1992, Edelberg received a sentence of six months of home detention, followed by a 36-month probationary period. The court also mandated 150 hours of community service, requiring Edelberg to contribute to environmental remediation efforts. Critically, the judge ordered Edelberg to pay $213,906.52 in restitution to the State of Connecticut, intended to cover the costs associated with cleaning up the contaminated site and mitigating the environmental damage caused by Nerdmarc’s illegal activities.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations. The EPA continues to prioritize the prosecution of companies and individuals who prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. The successful conviction of Nerdmarc and Edelberg underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment through robust criminal enforcement.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Nerdmarc, Incorporated & Henry R. Edelberg
- Location: Colchester, Connecticut
- Year: 1992
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Crime: Illegal storage and disposal of hazardous waste (industrial solvents and cyanides)
- Penalties: 6 months home detention, 36 months probation, 150 hours community service, $213,906.52 restitution
- Approximately 20 drums of hazardous waste were illegally buried on company property.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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