Salt Lake City, UT – A Salt Lake County man received a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines after illegally processing what he believed to be gold in his motel room, resulting in a dangerous mercury contamination. Steve Eiffler, a resident and employee of the Overnight Motor Inn, was sentenced to 60 months incarceration after pleading guilty to unlawful discharge of pollutants.
The incident began in June 2005 when Eiffler, while digging under the motel kitchen, discovered a layer of black sand. Driven by the prospect of finding gold, Eiffler made the reckless decision to process the sand using mercury – a highly toxic substance – directly within his motel room. He heated approximately one tablespoon of mercury in the room’s sink and bathtub, a process that quickly led to his own hospitalization after he passed out from the resulting fumes.
Local authorities became concerned about potential contamination after responding to reports of Eiffler’s illness. The Salt Lake County Health Department contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who promptly investigated the scene. EPA analysis confirmed alarmingly high levels of mercury vapor within the motel room, exceeding established action levels. Investigators also discovered elemental mercury present in the p-traps of both the sink and bathtub, indicating a significant and ongoing release of the hazardous substance.
Legal Ramifications
Eiffler was formally charged on June 20, 2005, with one count of unlawful discharge of pollutants, a violation of Utah Code 19-5-107(1)(a). He ultimately pled guilty to the charge on April 12, 2006. The sentencing, handed down on July 28, 2006, included the 60-month prison term, a $5,000 state fine, and a substantial restitution order totaling $25,825. This restitution was split between the EPA and the Salt Lake County Health Department to cover the costs of cleanup and investigation.
Contamination Concerns
The case highlights the extreme dangers of amateur gold processing and the irresponsible handling of hazardous materials like mercury. Mercury exposure, even at low levels, can cause severe neurological damage, kidney problems, and other serious health issues. The Overnight Motor Inn was forced to undertake extensive remediation efforts to ensure the safety of future guests and staff.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Steve Eiffler
- Crime: Unlawful discharge of pollutants
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Year: 2006
- Statute Violated: Utah Code 19-5-107(1)(a)
- Sentence: 60 months incarceration
- Fine: $5,000
- Restitution: $25,825 (to EPA & Salt Lake County Health Dept.)
- The defendant used mercury in an attempt to extract gold from black sand found on motel property.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper hazardous waste disposal and the severe consequences of environmental crimes. Authorities emphasize that attempting to process materials containing potential precious metals should *always* be left to trained professionals with the appropriate equipment and safety protocols.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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