Patrick E. Perrin, Toxic Lie, MO 1988

Holden, Missouri – Former plant manager Patrick E. Perrin was sentenced to federal prison in July 1988 after pleading guilty to conspiracy related to the illegal handling and disposal of hazardous waste containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Perrin, who oversaw operations at the Martha C. Rose Chemical Company, knowingly falsified records and conspired to violate federal regulations governing the treatment and disposal of these highly toxic substances.

The case, brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigated by federal authorities, revealed a pattern of deceit designed to circumvent the strict requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Martha C. Rose Chemical Company specialized in the transportation and disposal of materials like electrical transformers and capacitors – items frequently containing dangerous levels of PCBs. Instead of adhering to proper disposal protocols, Perrin and the company allegedly engaged in practices that put public health and the environment at risk.

A ten-count indictment, handed down on August 20, 1987, initially charged Perrin with a litany of offenses. These included one count of conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371), six counts of making false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001), and three counts directly violating the Toxic Substances Control Act, specifically Sections 15 and 16(b) – 15 U.S.C. 2614 and 2615(b). These sections of TSCA regulate the handling, storage, and disposal of PCBs, aiming to prevent their release into the environment.

The investigation uncovered evidence that Perrin knowingly submitted false information to regulatory agencies regarding the company’s PCB handling procedures. This included misreporting the types and quantities of PCBs processed, as well as concealing improper disposal methods. The intent, prosecutors argued, was to avoid costly compliance measures and maintain a competitive edge by cutting corners on environmental safety. The falsified records were designed to create the illusion of adherence to federal regulations when, in reality, the company was operating in violation of the law.

On April 2, 1988, Perrin entered a guilty plea to the single count of conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371), a strategic move that likely resulted in a reduced sentence. However, the severity of the offense was not lost on the court. On July 20, 1988, Perrin received a 24-month term of incarceration. In addition to the prison sentence, he was ordered to pay a $25 special assessment fee and a $50 fine, totaling $75 in financial penalties.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Patrick E. Perrin
Location: Holden, Missouri
Year: 1988
Crime: Illegal handling and disposal of PCBs, False Statements, Conspiracy
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 18 U.S.C. 371, 15 U.S.C. 2614, 15 U.S.C. 2615(b)
Penalty: 24 months incarceration, $75 in fines/fees
Company Involved: Martha C. Rose Chemical Company

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations and the consequences of prioritizing profit over public safety. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue criminal enforcement actions against individuals and companies who knowingly violate laws designed to protect our environment from hazardous waste.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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