Seawitch Salvage, Environmental Crime, MD 1998

Cambridge, MD – A Maryland salvage company and its owner faced federal charges and penalties for a brazen disregard of environmental regulations during the dismantling of two retired Navy vessels in the mid-1990s. Seawitch Salvage and its owner, Ellis, were convicted of multiple violations of the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, culminating in a significant financial penalty and a prison sentence for the individual responsible.

The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), centered around the demolition and scrapping of the USS Coral Sea, a World War II aircraft carrier, and the USS Illusive, a minesweeper. Ellis acquired the vessels from the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Organization with the understanding that all hazardous materials, particularly asbestos, would be removed properly. However, investigators found a pattern of deliberate circumvention of safety protocols and blatant pollution.

Despite lacking the necessary state license for asbestos abatement, Ellis allegedly hired migrant workers from Texas to strip asbestos-containing materials – pipe wrapping and insulation – from the ships. These workers were not provided with adequate safety equipment or training and were instructed to disregard established work practice standards outlined in the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations. Even more disturbingly, Seawitch Salvage directed these same workers to illegally dump oil directly from the ships into navigable waters.

The EPA initiated its investigation on September 24, 1996, filing charges against both the company and Ellis. The indictment included two counts of violating the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) – knowingly violating), one count of making false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001), and numerous counts related to violations of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – knowingly violating, 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(3) – illegal discharge of oil or hazardous substance, 33 U.S.C. 407 – illegal deposit of refuse in navigable waters, and 33 U.S.C. 1311 – illegal pollutant discharge). The evidence presented at trial demonstrated a clear pattern of intentional non-compliance, prioritizing profit over environmental and worker safety.

On May 30, 1997, a jury found Seawitch Salvage and Ellis guilty on all counts. The sentencing, handed down on February 13, 1998, reflected the severity of the offenses. Seawitch Salvage received 60 months of probation, a $1,325 special assessment fee, and a $50,000 fine. Ellis was sentenced to 30 months of incarceration, followed by 36 months of probation upon release, a $325 special assessment fee, and a $50,000 fine. The case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes carry significant legal and financial consequences.

Key Facts

Defendant: Seawitch Salvage and Ellis
Location: Maryland
Year: 1998
Crimes: Violations of the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, False Statements
Vessels Involved: USS Coral Sea, USS Illusive
Hazardous Material: Asbestos, Oil
Penalties: $50,000 fine for the company, 60 months probation. 30 months incarceration and $50,000 fine for Ellis, 36 months probation upon release.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental enforcement cases and report on those who put profit ahead of public health and safety.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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