Robert B. Whiteman, Unlawful Storage of Hazardous Waste without a Permit, Virginia 2009

GLOUSTER, VA – Former metal plating company owner Robert B. Whiteman was sentenced in April 2009 following a guilty plea to illegally storing hazardous waste at his now-defunct business, Control Products USA, located in Glouster, Virginia. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of negligent and unlawful handling of toxic materials, leaving a significant environmental cleanup burden for taxpayers.

Whiteman was initially charged on September 9, 2008, with three counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The charges stemmed from the discovery of numerous 55-gallon drums abandoned on the property, containing a cocktail of dangerous chemicals. Investigators found substantial quantities of sulfuric acid, nickel, lead, chrome, and arsenic – all highly corrosive and toxic substances posing serious risks to both human health and the environment.

The EPA’s investigation detailed how Whiteman knowingly stored and abandoned the hazardous waste without obtaining the necessary permits or following proper disposal procedures. The lack of containment and manifest documentation created a substantial threat of groundwater contamination and soil pollution. Evidence suggested a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and a calculated attempt to avoid the considerable costs associated with responsible waste management.

On April 17, 2009, Whiteman pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful storage of hazardous waste without a permit – a violation of 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A). He admitted to knowingly treating, storing, and disposing of the hazardous waste in a manner that violated RCRA regulations. While the other two charges – transporting hazardous waste without a permit (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1)(A)) and transporting without a manifest (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5)) – were dropped as part of the plea agreement, the severity of the admitted offense warranted significant penalties.

Judge sentenced Whiteman to 12 months and one day of incarceration, followed by a three-year probationary period. Crucially, the court also ordered Whiteman to pay $128,217 in restitution. This sum covered the extensive costs incurred by authorities for the cleanup and proper disposal of the drums and a large volume of contaminated soil. The cleanup operation required specialized handling and disposal methods to mitigate the environmental damage caused by Whiteman’s actions.

Key Facts

Defendant: Robert B. Whiteman
Location: Glouster, Virginia
Crime: Illegal storage of hazardous waste
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)
Sentence: 12 months and 1 day imprisonment, 3 years probation
Restitution: $128,217
Hazardous Materials: Sulfuric acid, nickel, lead, chrome, and arsenic

The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with environmental crimes. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of RCRA to protect communities and the environment from the dangers of improperly managed hazardous waste. GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental enforcement cases across the nation.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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