Shelton Erickson, Clean Air Violation, LA 1988

New Iberia, Louisiana – Shelton Erickson, president, owner, and operator of Erickson Chemical Company, was sentenced in August 1988 following a guilty plea to federal environmental crimes. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), centered around improper handling and disposal of hazardous waste at the company’s New Iberia facility, which manufactures oil field soaps, degreasers, and various chemical inhibitors.

According to court documents, Erickson admitted to unpermitted treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste – a direct violation of federal regulations designed to protect public health and the environment. The Erickson Chemical Company facility specialized in producing chemicals crucial to the oil field industry, including corrosive inhibitors, paraffin solvents, and scale inhibitors. The improper disposal practices threatened local ecosystems and potentially exposed nearby communities to harmful substances.

The investigation revealed a pattern of negligence in waste management. While specific details regarding the types and quantities of improperly disposed waste remain limited in publicly available records, the EPA’s enforcement action underscores the seriousness of the violations. Federal authorities determined that Erickson knowingly circumvented established protocols for handling hazardous materials, prioritizing cost savings over environmental compliance.

On June 29, 1988, Erickson entered a guilty plea to one count information filed that same day. The charge stemmed from violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically Section 3008(d)(2)(A) [42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)]. However, the initial charge also included violations of the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(A), suggesting air quality concerns were also present in the investigation, though the final conviction was centered on the RCRA violation.

Following the guilty plea, Erickson was sentenced on August 19, 1988, to 24 months of probation. In addition to the probationary period, the court ordered Erickson to pay a $2,500 fine. While the penalty may seem modest by today’s standards, it represented a significant enforcement action at the time, signaling the EPA’s commitment to prosecuting environmental offenders.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring environmental compliance within the oil and gas industry. Despite decades of environmental regulations, incidents of improper waste disposal continue to occur, underscoring the need for vigilant oversight and stringent enforcement. The Erickson Chemical case serves as a cautionary tale for businesses operating in sensitive environmental areas, demonstrating the legal and financial consequences of neglecting responsible waste management practices.

Key Facts

Defendant: Shelton Erickson, Erickson Chemical Company
Location: New Iberia, Louisiana
Year: 1988
Violated Statutes: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Sec. 3008(d)(2)(A) [42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)] and Clean Air Act 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(A)
Penalty: 24 months probation and a $2,500 fine
Crime: Unpermitted treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste

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Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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