Stanwood, WA – Ronald Carl Stansberry, owner of Camano Septic Service, narrowly avoided jail time after pleading guilty to illegally dumping thousands of gallons of septic waste on private property in 2013. The case, brought forth by state environmental authorities, revealed a pattern of illicit disposal practices that raised concerns about public health and environmental safety.
According to court documents, Stansberry repeatedly discharged approximately 7,000 gallons of untreated septic waste onto land not designated for such disposal. Investigators determined the dumping occurred on at least three separate occasions at a property in Stanwood, Washington. The unauthorized disposal posed a significant risk of groundwater contamination and potential health hazards to nearby residents and the environment.
The investigation began after authorities received information regarding the illegal dumping. Evidence quickly pointed to Camano Septic Service and its owner, Stansberry, as the source of the contamination. Rather than properly disposing of the waste at a licensed facility, Stansberry allegedly sought to cut costs by illegally dumping it on the private property, a practice that is strictly prohibited under state law.
Legal Ramifications & Sentencing
On May 10, 2013, Stansberry was formally charged with three counts: Unlawful Dumping of Solid Waste, violating Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70.95.240(1) and (3)(c)(i), and Criminal Trespassing in the Second Degree, as defined under RCW 9A.52.080. The charges carried potential jail time and significant financial penalties.
However, on June 5, 2013, Stansberry entered a guilty plea, leading to a suspended sentence. He received 364 days of incarceration for the dumping charges and 90 days for the trespassing count, all suspended. In addition to the suspended jail time, the court sentenced Stansberry to 24 months of probation and mandated 120 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay substantial fines, though largely suspended.
Financial Penalties & Community Impact
While facing potential fines of $5,000 per dumping count and $1,000 for trespassing, the court reduced the financial burden to $50 per dumping count and $50 for the trespassing charge, with the remainder suspended. This outcome, while resulting in some financial restitution, has drawn criticism from environmental advocates who argue that the penalties were insufficient given the severity and repeated nature of the offense. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by environmental enforcement agencies in securing meaningful penalties for illegal waste disposal.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Ronald Carl Stansberry
- Business: Camano Septic Service
- Location: Stanwood, Washington
- Waste Dumped: Approximately 7,000 gallons of septic waste
- Statutes Violated: RCW 70.95.240(1) and (3)(c)(i) (Unlawful Dumping), RCW 9A.52.080 (Criminal Trespassing)
- Sentencing: 364 days suspended (dumping), 90 days suspended (trespassing), 24 months probation, 120 hours community service, $150 in fines.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and provide updates as they develop.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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