HONOLULU, HI – Patricia Ragragola, owner and operator of Pacific Grease Trap Company (PGT), was sentenced to 10 days in jail and ordered to pay $2,000 in fines after pleading guilty to illegally disposing of grease trap waste on Oahu’s Leeward Coast. The case, brought forward by state environmental authorities, reveals a pattern of non-compliance and deceptive practices spanning over a decade.
According to court documents, PGT was contracted by numerous restaurants to remove and properly dispose of used cooking oil and grease trap waste. However, the company’s authorization to operate was revoked by the City and County of Honolulu in September 1994 due to repeated violations. Despite the loss of their hauling permit, PGT continued to provide waste removal services, operating illegally for over twelve years.
The investigation uncovered a further layer of deceit. PGT provided documentation to its restaurant clients, falsely indicating that the collected grease waste was being delivered to Pacific Biodiesel, a legitimate Hawaii-based company specializing in biodiesel production. However, Pacific Biodiesel confirmed they had *no records* of receiving any waste materials from PGT, raising serious concerns about where the grease was actually being dumped.
Timeline of Events
On August 17, 2006, Ragragola was formally charged with violating state regulations concerning waste management. The specific statutes violated were not publicly detailed in available records, but relate to the unauthorized collection, transportation, and disposal of regulated waste. The prosecution argued that Ragragola knowingly continued illegal operations to avoid the costs associated with proper waste disposal and maintain revenue.
Legal Repercussions
In addition to the $2,000 fine and ten-day jail sentence, Ragragola was also mandated to complete 200 hours of community service. Environmental protection officials emphasize the severity of illegal waste disposal, citing potential contamination of waterways, soil, and public health risks. This case highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of waste disposal services and the consequences of operating without proper permits.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Patricia Ragragola
- Company: Pacific Grease Trap Company (PGT)
- Location: Leeward Coast, Oahu, Hawaii
- Permit Revoked: September 1994
- Crime: Illegal Waste Disposal
- Sentence: 10 days incarceration, 200 hours community service, $2,000 fine
- Deceptive Practice: Falsely claimed disposal at Pacific Biodiesel
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding illegal waste disposal activities to contact the Hawaii Department of Health.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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