Neville Chemical Company, Illegal Dumping, CA 1987

Los Angeles, CA – Neville Chemical Company was convicted in 1986 of knowingly dumping hazardous waste on its own property, a violation of federal environmental regulations. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighted a pattern of illicit disposal during the manufacturing of chlorinated paraffins at the company’s California facility.

According to court documents, Neville Chemical buried spent ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) and ODCB still-bottoms – both classified as hazardous waste – in a pit located on the plant grounds in 1981. The practice continued undetected for several years until an investigation was launched, ultimately leading to a one-count indictment on January 29, 1986. The indictment specifically charged the company with the illegal disposal of hazardous waste without the required permit.

The trial, which lasted one week and commenced on September 30, 1986, revealed evidence of deliberate and knowing violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating that Neville Chemical was aware of the hazardous nature of the waste and intentionally chose to bypass proper disposal procedures to cut costs. The company did not maintain records of the waste or attempt to mitigate the environmental risks associated with the burial.

On July 10, 1986, a guilty verdict was returned. The sentencing, handed down on November 24, 1986, included a probationary period of 36 months and a hefty fine of $50,000. A portion of the fine—$10,000—was suspended, contingent upon full payment of the remaining $40,000 by January 15, 1987. While the financial penalty served as a deterrent, environmental groups criticized the sentence as lenient, given the potential for long-term contamination and health risks.

The case set a precedent for stricter enforcement of RCRA regulations, emphasizing the EPA’s commitment to holding companies accountable for environmental crimes. The illegal dumping of ODCB posed a significant threat to groundwater and soil, potentially impacting nearby communities. While the full extent of the contamination remains a concern, the EPA mandated remediation efforts as part of the probationary terms, requiring Neville Chemical to monitor and address any environmental damage caused by the improper disposal.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Neville Chemical Company
Crime: Illegal Hazardous Waste Disposal
Location: California
Year: 1987
Hazardous Waste: Spent ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) and ODCB still-bottoms
Statute Violated: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)
Penalty: 36 months probation and $50,000 fine ($10,000 suspended)

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Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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