Red Bank, PA – Former Red Bank Valley School District Superintendent R. David Farley was convicted in 1998 of knowingly violating the Clean Air Act following the improper handling and illegal dumping of asbestos-containing materials at a local farm. The incident stemmed from flood damage sustained by the district’s high school in July 1996, triggering a cleanup effort that quickly devolved into a federal crime.
According to court documents, Farley directed custodial staff, alongside parent and student volunteers, to remove asbestos materials from the flood-damaged high school building. Crucially, this removal was conducted *without* adhering to established safety protocols for asbestos abatement, a known health hazard. Instead of employing licensed professionals and following proper containment procedures, Farley oversaw a makeshift operation that exposed individuals to dangerous asbestos fibers and ultimately led to the material being illegally dumped.
The investigation revealed that the asbestos-containing materials were not disposed of at a designated hazardous waste facility, as required by federal regulations. Instead, Farley directed the volunteers to transport the materials to a nearby farm, where they were simply dumped, contaminating the land and potentially posing a long-term health risk to the surrounding community. This deliberate circumvention of environmental regulations formed the core of the government’s case.
Farley was indicted on March 10, 1998, on one count of violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) of the Clean Air Act – specifically, knowingly violating regulations related to asbestos handling and disposal. The prosecution successfully argued that Farley was aware of the dangers of asbestos and knowingly disregarded safety protocols in an attempt to expedite the school’s cleanup and minimize costs. A jury found Farley guilty on July 6, 1998, after a trial that brought the issue of environmental safety in schools into sharp focus.
Sentencing and Aftermath
On October 30, 1998, Farley received a sentence of 36 months probation for his crime. Notably, no fine was imposed. While the lack of a financial penalty has drawn some criticism, legal experts suggest the court prioritized the probationary period as a means of ensuring future compliance with environmental regulations. The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to proper asbestos abatement procedures, particularly in public institutions.
Key Facts
- Defendant: R. David Farley
- Location: Red Bank, Pennsylvania
- Crime: Illegal asbestos disposal
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) – Clean Air Act
- Date of Indictment: March 10, 1998
- Date of Conviction: July 6, 1998
- Sentence: 36 months probation, no fine
- Details: Farley directed improper asbestos removal and dumping following a school flood.
The case highlights the potential consequences of prioritizing expediency over safety and regulatory compliance. The EPA continues to pursue enforcement actions against individuals and entities who knowingly endanger public health and the environment through improper handling of hazardous materials like asbestos.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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