Randall G. Cone, Violating Clean Air Act, Pennsylvania 2007

Camden, NJ – Randall G. Cone was sentenced in May 2007 following a federal investigation into the illegal dumping of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in Camden, New Jersey. The case, pursued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a deliberate disregard for public health and environmental regulations.

Investigators discovered between 200 and 300 bags of suspected asbestos materials abandoned within an unsecured, derelict trailer. Trace evidence quickly linked the waste back to work performed by Cone, a Pennsylvania-based contractor. The improper disposal of asbestos poses significant health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, due to the inhalation of microscopic fibers. The location of the dumping, an abandoned property, increased the likelihood of public exposure and environmental contamination.

The EPA’s criminal enforcement division initiated the investigation, meticulously gathering evidence to build a case against Cone. The agency’s focus was not only on the environmental harm caused but also on the blatant violation of federal laws designed to protect citizens from hazardous waste. The investigation highlighted the potential for unscrupulous contractors to cut corners, prioritizing profit over safety and legal compliance.

On February 14, 2007, Cone was formally charged via Information with one count of violating the Clean Air Act. Specifically, he was accused of transporting ACM waste without the legally required waste shipment record. This record is a crucial component of asbestos disposal protocols, ensuring proper handling, transportation, and final deposition at a licensed facility. Cone subsequently pled guilty to the charge on February 28, 2004.

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Sentencing and Penalties

On May 31, 2007, Cone received a sentence of 60 months of probation for his crime. In addition to probation, he was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee and a $500 federal fine. The court also mandated restitution in the amount of $18,000 to Confier Realty, the property owner responsible for the costly cleanup of the illegally dumped asbestos. The restitution aimed to cover the expenses incurred in safely removing and disposing of the hazardous materials.

Key Facts

Defendant: Randall G. Cone
Location: Camden, New Jersey (waste originated in Pennsylvania)
Crime: Illegal dumping of asbestos-containing materials
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(A) – Transportation of ACM waste without a waste shipment record under the Clean Air Act
Sentence: 60 months probation, $100 special assessment, $500 federal fine, $18,000 restitution to Confier Realty
Quantity of Waste: Approximately 200-300 bags of asbestos materials

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with the illegal handling and disposal of hazardous waste. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue criminal enforcement actions against individuals and companies who endanger public health and the environment through non-compliance with federal regulations.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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