PAWTUCKET, RI – A former employee of New England Gas Company (NEGC) was sentenced in February 2007 following a 2004 break-in at the company’s Pawtucket facility that resulted in a significant mercury spill. Stephen Carberry, despite not being directly involved in the burglary, was held responsible for failures in securing the hazardous material, leading to both environmental contamination and a public health risk.
The incident occurred on October 18, 2004, when intruders gained access to the NEGC building and specifically targeted a cabinet containing glass bottles of reclaimed mercury. NEGC routinely recovered mercury from older residential and commercial gas meters as part of its operations. Critically, the company lacked a precise inventory of the mercury stored on-site, meaning the exact quantity stolen remained unknown. However, investigators determined that at least 10 pounds of the highly toxic substance were spilled outside the building during or immediately following the theft.
While the burglary itself wasn’t Carberry’s direct responsibility, authorities focused on the inadequate security measures surrounding the mercury storage. The EPA, alongside Rhode Island state environmental agencies, determined that Carberry, as an NEGC employee with oversight responsibilities, failed to ensure the proper containment and safeguarding of the hazardous material. This negligence created the opportunity for the theft and subsequent environmental damage. The lack of a detailed inventory also hampered the investigation and cleanup efforts.
Legal Ramifications
Carberry was initially charged on April 1, 2005, with two counts of violating Rhode Island state environmental laws. He ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges on January 13, 2006. The sentencing, delivered on February 6, 2007, included 24 months of probation, with an additional 100 days of incarceration stemming from a violation of probation related to an unrelated case. Furthermore, Carberry was ordered to pay $2,150 in state fines as restitution for the environmental damage and investigative costs.
Cleanup and Ongoing Concerns
The mercury spill prompted a swift response from environmental cleanup crews. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and even small amounts can pose significant health risks to humans and wildlife. The cleanup involved specialized techniques to collect and contain the spilled mercury, preventing further contamination of the soil and water. The incident highlighted the importance of stringent security protocols for handling hazardous materials, particularly in densely populated areas.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Stephen Carberry
- Location: Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- Date of Incident: October 18, 2004
- Crime: Failure to secure hazardous material (mercury), leading to theft and environmental contamination.
- Statutes Violated: Rhode Island state environmental laws (specific citations unavailable).
- Penalties: 24 months probation, 100 days incarceration (due to unrelated probation violation), $2,150 in fines.
- Amount of Mercury Spilled: At least 10 pounds
The case serves as a cautionary tale regarding the proper handling and security of hazardous materials, even within established businesses. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments regarding environmental crimes and their impact on communities.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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