Randolph Enoch (Randy) Foy, Jr., Violating Clean Water Act, North Carolina 2012

Trenton, NC – Randolph Enoch (Randy) Foy, Jr. was sentenced in April 2012 after pleading guilty to knowingly violating the Clean Water Act (CWA) by illegally filling wetlands with petroleum-contaminated soil. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a deliberate effort to dispose of hazardous waste on a privately-owned farm in Jones County, North Carolina, impacting critical environmental resources.

According to court documents, the contaminated soil originated from the New River Marine Corps Air Station. A subcontractor working with the Air Station transported the material to Foy’s farm for unauthorized disposal. Investigators discovered that the soil, laden with petroleum contaminants, was directly used to fill in existing wetlands on the property. The deliberate nature of the act raised concerns about potential long-term environmental damage and a disregard for federal regulations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a site inspection and confirmed the violations. Their assessment determined that the fill material had been placed directly onto jurisdictional wetlands, areas specifically protected under the CWA. Crucially, the inspection also established that these wetlands were hydrologically connected to navigable waters of the United States, meaning the pollution posed a threat to a larger ecosystem.

Foy was initially charged on July 19, 2011, with one count of violating 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2) of the Clean Water Act – specifically, the section pertaining to knowingly violating the Act’s provisions. He entered a guilty plea on October 17, 2011, acknowledging his responsibility for the illegal dumping. The EPA pursued the case aggressively, highlighting the seriousness of environmental crimes and the need for strong enforcement.

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Sentencing and Remediation

On April 30, 2012, Foy received a sentence of 36 months of supervised probation, with the first six months to be served under home confinement. He was also ordered to pay a $15,000 federal fine and a $100 special assessment. However, the sentence extended beyond financial penalties. As part of his restitution, Foy was mandated to purchase and restore 0.03 acres of riparian wetlands within the lower Neuse River basin. This requirement aimed to offset the environmental damage caused by his actions and contribute to the ecological recovery of the area.

This case underscores the EPA’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes. The illegal disposal of hazardous waste not only violates federal law but also poses significant risks to public health and the environment. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect our natural resources.

Key Facts

Defendant: Randolph Enoch (Randy) Foy, Jr.
Location: Jones County, North Carolina
Crime: Illegal filling of wetlands with petroleum-contaminated soil.
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2) – Clean Water Act
Penalty: 36 months supervised probation (6 months home confinement), $15,000 fine, $100 assessment, .03 acres wetland restoration.
Source of Contamination: New River Marine Corps Air Station.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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