ROME, NY – Premier Aviation Overhaul Center LTD, an airplane maintenance and painting facility in Rome, New York, has been penalized for illegally handling and concealing hazardous chromium waste. The company pled guilty in November 2017 to an environmental crime stemming from a 2014 incident, admitting to failing to properly label and dispose of toxic materials, and acting as an accessory after the fact.
According to court documents and EPA investigators, in February 2014, Premier Aviation employees improperly disposed of large sheets of plastic contaminated with chromium waste—a byproduct of paint stripping from older aircraft—into a standard trash compactor. Critically, the company failed to update the compactor’s labeling to indicate the presence of hazardous materials. This concealed the dangerous contents for approximately two weeks before law enforcement seized the waste.
Subsequent testing revealed alarming levels of chromium on the plastic sheets, measuring approximately 23 times the legally permissible limit. Chromium is a known carcinogen and poses significant environmental and health risks if not handled correctly. The improper disposal method also violated established regulations for hazardous waste management, designed to protect both workers and the surrounding community.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
Premier Aviation was sentenced to pay a $40,000 fine for violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 3. This statute covers accessory after the fact offenses, acknowledging the company’s deliberate attempt to cover up the illegal storage and disposal of hazardous waste. The company’s guilty plea confirms their awareness of the wrongdoing and acceptance of responsibility.
Compliance & Monitoring
Beyond the financial penalty, the company entered into a plea agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This agreement mandates several corrective actions, including quarterly reporting of hazardous waste generation, storage, and disposal. All employees handling paint, stripping processes, or hazardous materials are now required to undergo specific waste and emergency response training. A comprehensive Hazardous Waste Reduction Plan, drafted by Premier Aviation and approved by the EPA and DEC, is also in effect.
Ongoing Oversight
As part of the agreement, Premier Aviation consented to unannounced inspections by both EPA-CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and DEC personnel at its Rome facility. This heightened level of scrutiny, lasting until September 30, 2018, was intended to ensure full compliance with the plea agreement terms and all applicable environmental laws and regulations. The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal enforcement against companies that prioritize profit over environmental safety and public health.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Premier Aviation Overhaul Center LTD
- Location: Rome, New York
- Crime: Improper disposal of hazardous chromium waste & accessory after the fact.
- Year of Offense: 2014
- Year of Plea: 2017
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 3 (Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code)
- Penalty: $40,000 fine
- Waste Levels: Chromium levels 23 times the legal limit
- Corrective Actions: Quarterly reporting, employee training, waste reduction plan, unannounced inspections.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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