Savannah, GA – Former wastewater treatment plant operator Ray Field Mitchell was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison for illegally dumping hazardous waste across multiple locations in and around Savannah, Georgia. Mitchell pleaded guilty in March 2016 to a violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), bringing an end to a case that exposed a deliberate effort to circumvent environmental regulations.
The investigation, initiated in September 2015, revealed that Mitchell, while employed at the Boasso Savannah Shipping Terminal, orchestrated the dumping of approximately 90 drums and containers of waste onto CSX property and other unauthorized sites. Many of these containers were traced back to Boasso America Corporation, a company providing trucking, tank cleaning, and terminal services. Evidence gathered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated the waste originated from the facility’s wastewater treatment processes.
Crucially, some of the dumped containers were found to contain naphthalene, a known hazardous substance regulated under RCRA. Mitchell admitted in his plea that the dumping locations were not licensed or approved to receive such materials, a clear violation of federal law. This reckless disposal posed a potential threat to both the environment and public health, prompting a swift response from federal authorities.
Timeline of Events
The case unfolded as follows: On September 9, 2015, Mitchell was formally charged with three separate violations: transporting hazardous waste to an unpermitted facility, disposing of waste without a permit, and failing to utilize a proper hazardous waste manifest during transportation. These charges stemmed from the discovery of the illegally dumped drums and subsequent investigation into their origin. After several months, on December 2, 2015, Mitchell entered a guilty plea to the transportation violation. The final sentencing occurred on March 18, 2016, where Judge [Name of Judge not provided in source data] handed down the 28-month prison sentence, along with three years of supervised release and a hefty $58,052 fine.
Legal Ramifications
Mitchell’s actions violated several key sections of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(5) – relating to the transportation of hazardous waste to an unpermitted facility; 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(1) – concerning the disposal of hazardous waste without a permit; and 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(2)(A) – regarding the failure to properly manifest hazardous waste during transport. These statutes are designed to cradle-to-grave management of hazardous waste, ensuring it is handled responsibly from generation to final disposal.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Ray Field Mitchell
- Location: Savannah, Georgia
- Crime: Illegal Hazardous Waste Dumping
- Waste Source: Boasso Savannah Shipping Terminal
- Hazardous Substance: Naphthalene
- Sentence: 28 months incarceration, 3 years supervised release, $58,052 fine
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(5), 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(1), 42 U.S.C. § 6928(d)(2)(A)
The EPA continues to emphasize the importance of strict adherence to hazardous waste regulations, stating that such violations will be vigorously prosecuted. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who prioritize profit over environmental protection and public safety.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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