Pittsford, VT – Robert Edward Brown, owner of a now-defunct Moretown salvage yard, avoided jail time but faces significant financial and operational penalties after pleading guilty to multiple environmental crimes. The case, brought to light by the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Environmental Conservation, details a pattern of reckless handling and improper storage of hazardous waste materials dating back to 2008.
The investigation, initiated after site inspections revealed alarming conditions at the salvage yard, uncovered that Brown deliberately released hazardous materials onto the ground. In December 2008, Brown reportedly kicked over containers of the substances and instructed employees to crush between 10 and 30 additional containers using a mobile car crusher. This deliberate act resulted in the direct contamination of the surrounding land with potentially harmful chemicals.
Beyond the intentional release, inspectors found the salvage yard in flagrant violation of Vermont’s Hazardous Waste Management Regulations. Waste oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and lead-acid car batteries were stored improperly, posing a continuing threat to the environment and public health. These violations occurred during two separate inspections in November 2008, indicating a sustained disregard for environmental safety protocols.
Legal Ramifications & Plea Deal
Initially charged in January 2012 with two felony counts of releasing hazardous materials and four misdemeanor counts of operating an unlicensed waste facility, Brown ultimately pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of releasing hazardous waste and two misdemeanor counts of improperly storing hazardous waste in November 2012. The plea agreement stipulated a suspended sentence of 6 to 12 months, 24 months of probation, and a hefty $11,644 in fines and court surcharges.
Remediation & Ongoing Oversight
However, the penalties don’t end with financial repercussions. As a special condition of his probation, Brown is mandated to hire an independent environmental consultant, approved by Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources. This consultant will oversee ongoing salvage yard operations (if any are resumed) and, critically, conduct a thorough site investigation to determine the full extent of any environmental contamination caused by Brown’s actions. The consultant will then be responsible for developing and implementing a remediation plan to correct any identified contamination.
Environmental Enforcement
Vermont Attorney General William H. Sorrell emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “Serious violations of our environment laws can lead to criminal charges. Our Office will work closely with the Agency of Natural Resources in these kinds of cases.” The outcome serves as a warning to others operating in the salvage and waste management industries, highlighting the potential for criminal prosecution for environmental negligence and intentional pollution.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Robert Edward Brown
- Location: Moretown, Vermont
- Year of Offense: 2008
- Statutes Violated: Vermont Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, specifically related to the release and improper storage of hazardous materials.
- Penalties: 6-12 months suspended sentence, 24 months probation, $11,644 in fines and surcharges, mandated site investigation and remediation plan overseen by an independent consultant.
- Hazardous Materials Involved: Waste oil, gasoline, antifreeze, lead-acid car batteries.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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