Whittier, AK – Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC), a major player in Alaska’s salmon farming industry, has been sentenced following a criminal investigation into the illegal disposal of hazardous waste and resulting employee injury. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reveals years of negligent waste management practices at the company’s Cannery Creek Hatchery and potentially other facilities.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2018, a maintenance manager at the Cannery Creek Hatchery directed an employee to burn multiple 50-gallon drums filled with hazardous waste. This reckless act resulted in serious injuries to the employee. Investigators discovered that PWSAC had been accumulating hazardous waste at the hatchery for *years* without implementing any proper storage or disposal protocols. The exact composition of the burned waste remains undisclosed, but authorities confirm it qualified as hazardous under federal regulations.
The EPA’s investigation uncovered a systemic failure to comply with environmental regulations designed to protect both human health and the delicate Alaskan ecosystem. The company’s lack of oversight extended beyond the immediate incident, indicating a pattern of disregard for safe waste handling procedures. Sources close to the investigation suggest the accumulation of drums was not isolated to Cannery Creek, prompting further scrutiny of other PWSAC hatcheries throughout Prince William Sound.
Legal Ramifications & Sentencing
PWSAC was formally sentenced on February 16, 2023, and ordered to pay a hefty $450,000 fine. In addition to the financial penalty, the company is required to provide $550,000 in restitution and will be subject to five years of probation. As part of the probation terms, PWSAC must adhere to a stringent environmental compliance plan. This plan mandates the development of a comprehensive environmental compliance manual and regular, unannounced site visits conducted by an independent third-party auditor to ensure future adherence to regulations.
The individual responsible for directing the illegal burn, identified as Tompkins, also faced legal consequences. On April 6, 2023, Tompkins received a suspended 180-day prison sentence and one year of probation. While avoiding immediate incarceration, the suspended sentence serves as a warning against similar violations. The EPA emphasized that holding individuals accountable is crucial in deterring future environmental crimes.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC)
- Location: Cannery Creek Hatchery, Whittier, Alaska
- Date of Incident: June 27, 2018
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and related state laws.
- Penalties: PWSAC – $450,000 fine, $550,000 restitution, 5 years probation. Tompkins – 180-day suspended prison sentence, 1 year probation.
- Nature of Crime: Illegal disposal of hazardous waste resulting in employee injury.
The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of environmental laws, particularly in sensitive environments like Alaska’s Prince William Sound. This case serves as a stark reminder that companies operating in these areas have a responsibility to safeguard both their employees and the surrounding natural resources. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments regarding PWSAC’s compliance with the court-ordered environmental plan.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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