Richard Fletcher, Hazardous Dumping, MD 2000

Laurel, MD – Richard Fletcher was sentenced to six months in federal prison in June 2000 for the illegal abandonment of hazardous materials, specifically nine steel cylinders containing approximately 200 pounds of chlorine gas. The incident, which occurred in June 1998, posed a significant public health risk and prompted a criminal investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to court documents, Fletcher removed the cylinders from a warehouse following an eviction and unceremoniously dumped them in the parking lot of the Laurel Commerce Center. Chlorine gas is a highly toxic substance capable of causing severe burns to skin and eyes, and potentially fatal respiratory damage upon inhalation. The deliberate abandonment of such a dangerous substance constitutes a serious breach of environmental regulations and public safety.

The EPA’s investigation revealed that Fletcher, as the person in charge of the facility—in this case, the source of the chlorine cylinders—failed to notify the appropriate authorities of the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, as mandated by law. This failure to report is a critical component of the offense, hindering potential emergency response and mitigation efforts.

Fletcher was initially charged on March 24, 2000, with one count of violating the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 9603(b)(3). This section of CERCLA addresses the failure to notify authorities regarding hazardous substance releases. He quickly entered a guilty plea on April 13, 2000.

In addition to the six-month prison sentence handed down on June 12, 2000, Fletcher received a 24-month probationary period and was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Notably, no financial fine was imposed as part of the sentencing. Legal experts suggest the lack of a fine may be due to Fletcher’s limited financial resources, but the custodial sentence underscores the severity of the crime.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Richard Fletcher
Crime: Illegal dumping of hazardous materials (chlorine gas)
Location: Laurel Commerce Center, Maryland
Date of Offense: June 1998
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 9603(b)(3) – Failure to notify regarding hazardous substance release.
Penalty: Six months incarceration, 24 months probation, 100 hours community service.
Hazardous Substance: Approximately 200 pounds of chlorine gas.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and ethical obligations surrounding the handling and disposal of hazardous materials. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue criminal enforcement actions against individuals and companies who knowingly endanger public health and the environment through illegal dumping or failure to report hazardous substance releases. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases as they unfold.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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