Steven Grossman, Hazardous Waste Violations, AZ 1998

Tucson, AZ – Steven Grossman was sentenced to probation and fined for illegally storing hazardous waste at a facility in Tucson, Arizona, according to court documents unsealed this week. The case, originating from a 1997 investigation, highlights ongoing concerns regarding improper hazardous waste management and potential environmental risks.

Grossman, operating within Arizona Hazardous Waste, Inc.’s North American Resources facility, was initially indicted on February 4, 1997, facing five federal counts. The charges stemmed from the unpermitted storage of approximately 355 gallons of toluene and xylene – highly flammable and toxic chemicals – without the necessary permits or adherence to safety protocols. Investigators discovered one 300-gallon tote and one 55-gallon drum containing the hazardous substances stored improperly on the premises.

The indictment alleged Grossman conspired with others to violate the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the primary federal law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Specifically, the government accused Grossman of knowingly treating, storing, and disposing of hazardous waste without a required permit, a direct violation of 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A). Further, Grossman was accused of falsifying a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest, a crucial document tracking the movement of hazardous materials, in violation of 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(3). The conspiracy charge, outlined in 18 U.S.C. 371, suggested a coordinated effort to circumvent environmental regulations.

After months of legal proceedings, Grossman pleaded guilty on August 19, 1997, to a single count of violating RCRA – the charge of knowingly storing hazardous waste without a permit. While the full scope of the alleged conspiracy and falsification of documents wasn’t pursued in the plea agreement, the guilty plea acknowledged a significant breach of environmental regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) led the investigation, working in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

On December 29, 1997, Grossman received a sentence of 24 months of probation and was ordered to pay a $1,000 federal fine. While the penalty may seem lenient, legal experts note that probation and fines are common outcomes in RCRA violations, particularly when coupled with remediation efforts. However, critics argue the penalties often fail to adequately deter future offenses and don’t fully account for the potential long-term environmental damage caused by improper hazardous waste handling.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Steven Grossman
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Crime: Illegal storage of hazardous waste (toluene and xylene)
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(3), 18 U.S.C. 371
Penalty: 24 months probation, $1,000 fine
Indictment Date: February 4, 1997
Plea Date: August 19, 1997
Sentencing Date: December 29, 1997

GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime cases and provide updates as they become available. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of responsible hazardous waste management and the need for stringent enforcement of environmental laws to protect public health and the environment.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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