Richard Lee Stair, Hazardous Waste Abandonment, Utah 2004

South Salt Lake City – Richard Lee Stair was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution following a 2004 incident involving the illegal abandonment of hazardous waste, according to court records obtained by GrimyTimes. The case, investigated by the Salt Lake County Health Department and EPA Region 8 Emergency Response, highlights the dangers of improper waste disposal and the legal ramifications for those who disregard environmental regulations.

The investigation began in November 2004 after ten 55-gallon drums were discovered abandoned at a residential property in South Salt Lake City. The contents of the drums were initially unknown, prompting a hazardous materials assessment. Subsequent testing revealed that two of the drums contained ignitable hazardous waste, posing a potential threat to public health and the environment.

Complicating the case was the subsequent sale of the property by Stair to another individual, identified as Mower. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to persuade Stair to remove the drums, Mower took matters into their own hands, transporting the containers back to a property associated with Stair and leaving them there. This action, while seemingly a desperate attempt to resolve the issue, ultimately led to both individuals facing criminal charges.

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Legal Ramifications

On November 19, 2004, both Stair and Mower were charged with a single count of violating Utah Code 19-6-113(3), which prohibits the unlawful storage or transportation of hazardous waste. The statute aims to protect Utah’s environment and citizens from the dangers associated with improperly handled dangerous materials. The charges stemmed from their respective roles in abandoning and ultimately re-depositing the hazardous drums.

Mower entered a guilty plea on January 20, 2005, and was sentenced to pay $2,678.50 in restitution – half of the total clean-up costs incurred by the Salt Lake County Health Department and EPA Region 8 Emergency Response. Stair followed suit on March 3, 2005, also pleading guilty. He received a 36-month probation sentence and was similarly ordered to pay $2,678.50 in restitution. The total restitution amount of $5,357 covered the expenses associated with the safe removal and disposal of the hazardous materials.

Key Facts

Defendant: Richard Lee Stair
Location: South Salt Lake City, Utah
Year: 2005
Crime: Illegal abandonment and storage of hazardous waste.
Statute Violated: Utah Code 19-6-113(3) – unlawful storage or transportation of hazardous waste.
Penalties: 36 months probation and $2,678.50 restitution for Stair; Restitution for Mower.
Hazardous Material: Two of the drums contained ignitable hazardous waste.

This case serves as a stark reminder that individuals and businesses are legally responsible for the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. Failure to comply with environmental regulations can result in criminal penalties, significant financial burdens, and potential harm to the community. GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on those who put profit over public safety.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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