Quin Million, PCB Cover-Up, WA 1997

Tacoma, WA – Quin Million, former president of Air Quality Services, was sentenced to a year in federal prison in February 1997 for concealing a significant polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) spill at the company’s Washington facility. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and pursued through the Department of Justice, highlights the critical importance of prompt reporting in environmental crimes and the potential dangers posed by unreported hazardous materials.

According to court documents, Million knowingly failed to notify the appropriate authorities about the PCB release. PCBs are known carcinogens and pose substantial risks to human health and the environment. The spill occurred at an unspecified date prior to March 18, 1996, when Million was formally charged. Despite a thorough investigation, the location of the spilled PCB-contaminated fluid remains unknown, raising concerns about potential long-term environmental contamination.

The EPA’s criminal enforcement division initiated the case after discovering evidence suggesting Air Quality Services had not adhered to federal regulations regarding hazardous substance reporting. The failure to report the spill directly violates Section 1003 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), codified as 42 U.S.C. 9603. This section of CERCLA mandates immediate notification to the National Response Center of any release of a reportable quantity of a hazardous substance.

Million initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, but ultimately entered a guilty plea on November 15, 1996. The prosecution argued that Million’s deliberate concealment of the spill demonstrated a reckless disregard for public safety and environmental protection. While no fine was imposed alongside the sentence, the twelve months of incarceration and subsequent twelve months of probation represent a significant penalty for a failure-to-report violation.

The case serves as a stark reminder that environmental regulations are not merely suggestions, but legally binding requirements. The lack of information regarding the missing PCB fluid continues to hamper potential remediation efforts. Investigators remain hopeful that new leads will emerge, enabling them to locate and safely contain the hazardous substance. The long-term consequences of the unreported spill are currently unknown.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Quin Million
Company: Air Quality Services
Crime: Failure to report a PCB spill, violating federal environmental regulations
Location: Washington State
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 9603 (CERCLA Section 1003)
Sentence: 12 months incarceration, 12 months probation. No fine imposed.
Missing Material: The location of the PCB-contaminated fluid remains unknown.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report any developments regarding the location of the missing PCBs and potential environmental impact.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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