Robert Minnamon, Violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B), New York 2005

Farmington, NY – Robert Minnamon was sentenced in November 2005 to 16 months in federal prison for the illegal and hazardous disposal of asbestos-containing material. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighted a blatant disregard for public health and environmental regulations. Minnamon’s actions not only posed a direct risk to residents of Farmington but also demonstrated a willingness to circumvent federal laws designed to protect the community from dangerous pollutants.

According to court documents, Minnamon illegally removed asbestos, a known carcinogen, and packaged it into 21 individual garbage bags. Instead of properly disposing of the material at a designated hazardous waste facility – a requirement under federal law – he callously dumped the bags along the roadside in Farmington on an unspecified date prior to his arrest. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) quickly responded to reports of the suspicious bags.

Investigators discovered asbestos removal equipment *within* the discarded bags, immediately linking the waste to a specific source. Trace evidence led authorities directly to Minnamon, who was subsequently charged with violating the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA prioritizes cases involving the improper handling of asbestos due to the severe health risks associated with exposure, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The agency’s enforcement efforts are intended to deter others from similar reckless behavior.

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Legal Ramifications

Minnamon was formally charged on June 8, 2005, with one count of violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B) of the Clean Air Act. This specific section of the CAA addresses the failure to provide notification or report regarding activities involving hazardous air pollutants, including asbestos. By failing to properly manage and report the asbestos removal, Minnamon directly violated this federal statute.

Following a guilty plea, Minnamon received a significant penalty on November 9, 2005. In addition to the 16-month prison sentence, he was ordered to serve a 12-month probationary period upon his release. The court also levied a $100 special assessment fee and a $250 federal fine, totaling $350 in financial penalties. The sentencing serves as a clear message that environmental crimes carry serious consequences.

Key Facts

Defendant: Robert Minnamon
Crime: Illegal asbestos dumping
Location: Farmington, New York
Year: 2006 (charges filed in 2005, sentencing in 2005)
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B) – Clean Air Act
Penalty: 16 months incarceration, 12 months probation, $350 in fines/fees
Evidence: Asbestos removal equipment found within the dumped bags directly linked the crime to the defendant.

The EPA continues to aggressively pursue individuals and companies who violate environmental laws, aiming to protect communities and ensure responsible waste management practices. This case underscores the importance of adhering to regulations regarding hazardous materials, particularly those with known health risks like asbestos.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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