Gardena, CA – Radford Alexander Corp. avoided a harsher fate after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from the illegal discharge of pollutants into the Gardena City sewer system. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of disregard for environmental regulations and potential public health risks.
According to court documents, Radford Alexander Corp., operating through its subsidiaries Chemical Transportation Co. (also known as Chem Trans) and Avalon Environmental Management, knowingly discharged corrosive liquids, excessive oil, grease, and sulfides into the municipal sewer system from their Gardena facility. Chem Trans is a hazardous waste trucking company, while Avalon Environmental Management is a non-hazardous wastewater treatment facility – one of only two in the Los Angeles area with that capacity. The illegal discharges occurred over a period of time, raising concerns about damage to the city’s wastewater treatment infrastructure and potential harm to sanitation workers and the public.
The EPA’s investigation also uncovered that Radford Alexander Corp. actively obstructed the investigation by denying sanitation district inspectors access to the facility between November 1996 and July 1997. This deliberate interference hindered the agency’s ability to assess the extent of the pollution and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Such obstruction is a serious offense, signaling a clear intent to conceal wrongdoing.
The initial indictment, filed December 13, 2000, included eight counts against all defendants, alleging violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA). However, charges against Chemical Transportation Company, Inc. and Avalon Environmental Management were ultimately dismissed. On December 10, 2001, Radford Alexander Corp. and Arnell Maxey, a company official, each entered guilty pleas to a single count of knowingly violating the CWA. Maxey’s involvement suggests a level of corporate responsibility extending beyond the company itself.
Penalties and Legal Ramifications
Radford Alexander Corp. was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $125 special assessment fee, and a $25,000 federal fine. Arnell Maxey received a similar sentence of 12 months probation, along with 100 hours of community service, a $125 special assessment fee, and a $1,000 federal fine. The specific statutes violated were 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) and 33 U.S.C. 1317(d), relating to the discharge of pollutants and operation in violation of established standards, respectively. The initial indictment also referenced 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) for knowingly violating the CWA.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Radford Alexander Corp.
- Location: Gardena, California
- Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants into the sewer system and obstruction of an EPA investigation.
- Pollutants: Corrosive liquids, excessive oil, grease, and sulfides.
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311(a), 33 U.S.C. 1317(d), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)
- Penalties: $25,000 fine for Radford Alexander Corp., $1,000 fine and 100 hours of community service for Arnell Maxey, both received 12 months probation.
The EPA continues to emphasize the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, particularly regarding wastewater discharge. Discharging hazardous waste into sewer systems not only poses a threat to public health and infrastructure, but also disrupts the crucial biological processes necessary for effective sewage treatment. This case serves as a reminder that environmental crimes will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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