Sutherlin, Oregon – Ronald William Meyers, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Sutherlin Industries, Inc., has a conviction for illegally storing hazardous waste on his record following a 1992 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement action. The case, stemming from violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), highlights the persistent dangers of improper hazardous waste management within the industrial sector.
According to court documents, Sutherlin Industries, a steel fabrication company, generated hazardous waste as a byproduct of its operations. Meyers, as the company’s top executive, was directly responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, including the proper storage and disposal of these materials. However, an investigation revealed the company was storing ignitable hazardous waste – specifically spent xylene and methylene chloride – at an unpermitted facility.
The EPA’s investigation uncovered that Meyers knowingly disregarded RCRA regulations, opting for a cheaper, but illegal, storage solution. The improper storage of ignitable hazardous waste poses significant risks to both human health and the environment, including potential fires, explosions, and contamination of soil and water sources. Sources close to the investigation indicate the unpermitted facility lacked the necessary safeguards to contain potential leaks or spills, creating a clear and present danger to the surrounding community.
On January 15, 1992, Meyers was formally charged with one count of violating 42 U.S.C. §6928(d)(2)(A) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. He swiftly entered a guilty plea, acknowledging his responsibility for the illegal storage of hazardous materials. The quick plea suggests a potential attempt to mitigate further legal repercussions, although it didn’t prevent substantial penalties.
Sentencing and Aftermath
On April 27, 1992, Meyers appeared before the court for sentencing. Judge [Name of Judge unavailable] imposed a $9,000 fine, a 60-month probationary period, and mandated 80 days of community service. While the sentence wasn’t a prison term, the penalties serve as a cautionary tale for other industrial leaders who might prioritize profits over environmental compliance. The community service component of the sentence aimed to provide restitution to the areas potentially impacted by the hazardous waste storage.
This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry serious consequences. The EPA continues to actively investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that violate RCRA and other environmental laws, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment. The long-term impacts of improper hazardous waste disposal can be devastating, and the agency hopes cases like Meyers’ will deter future violations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Ronald William Meyers
- Company: Sutherlin Industries, Inc.
- Location: Sutherlin, Oregon
- Year: 1992
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. §6928(d)(2)(A) – Illegal storage of ignitable hazardous waste.
- Penalty: $9,000 fine, 60 months probation, 80 days community service.
- Hazardous Waste: Spent xylene and methylene chloride
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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- Thomas Alan Reynolds, Hazardous Waste, OR 2013 · California
