Cincinnati, OH – Roland Hedge, former president of City Bumper, was sentenced to jail time and hefty fines in 1994 after abandoning approximately 27,000 gallons of hazardous materials at his now-defunct electroplating business. The case, brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighted a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and public safety, particularly given the facility’s proximity to an elementary school.
City Bumper, which specialized in chrome plating automobile bumpers, ceased operations in August 1990. Instead of responsibly managing the resulting hazardous waste, Hedge shuttered the business and left behind a toxic legacy. Former employees testified that sludge, a byproduct of the electroplating process, had been routinely dumped behind the company building, creating a significant environmental hazard. This deliberate abandonment triggered a costly and extensive cleanup operation.
Investigation and Indictment
The EPA launched an investigation into the site following reports of abandoned chemicals and potential contamination. On March 3, 1994, Hedge was indicted on one count of violating the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 9603(a) and 42 U.S.C. 9603(b) – charges relating to the failure to properly notify authorities about the hazardous waste and its abandonment. The indictment alleged that Hedge knowingly and willfully violated federal environmental laws, putting the surrounding community at risk.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Facing mounting evidence, Hedge pled guilty to the charge on August 12, 1994. He received an 18-month federal prison sentence and a $50 fine. However, the legal repercussions didn’t end there. Just days later, on August 16, 1994, the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas handed down a concurrent 24-month sentence, with the remaining time after the federal sentence to be served in the Hamilton County jail. Additionally, both Hedge and City Bumper were ordered to pay $25,000 in fines by the Court of Common Pleas.
Environmental and Financial Impact
The cleanup of the City Bumper site proved to be a substantial undertaking. The abandoned hazardous materials posed a serious threat to soil, groundwater, and potentially the nearby elementary school population. The total cost of the remediation exceeded $875,000, a burden ultimately borne by taxpayers. The case serves as a stark reminder of the financial and environmental consequences of irresponsible industrial practices and the importance of proper hazardous waste disposal.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Roland Hedge, President of City Bumper
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Year: 1994
- Crime: Abandonment of Hazardous Waste
- Laws Violated: 42 U.S.C. 9603(a) & 9603(b) (CERCLA – failure to notify)
- Hazardous Material Abandoned: Approximately 27,000 gallons
- Cleanup Costs: Exceeded $875,000
- Proximity to School: Site located 500 feet from an elementary school
- Penalties: 18 months federal incarceration, $50 federal fine, 24 months concurrent county jail time, $25,000 company/personal fines.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow cases involving environmental crimes and corporate negligence, holding those responsible accountable for endangering our communities.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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