Steven James Yedo, Violating Colorado Hazardous Waste Act, Colorado 2010

Commerce City, CO – A Colorado hazardous materials driver received a sentence of incarceration, probation, and hefty restitution after illegally dumping gasoline on Union Pacific Railroad property in 2010. Steven James Yedo, formerly employed by Petroleum Products, LLC, pled guilty to a violation of Colorado’s hazardous waste laws following an investigation into the incident.

According to court documents, on or around January 15, 2010, Yedo was indicted on three counts related to the unlawful disposal of a minimum of 50 gallons of gasoline. The dumping occurred on land owned by Union Pacific in Commerce City, without the railroad’s knowledge or consent. The incident triggered a costly cleanup operation for Union Pacific, who subsequently sought legal recourse.

The initial indictment detailed charges including violating the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act (29-22-108(a)) for contributing to a hazardous substances incident, a violation of C.R.S. 25-15-310(1)(b) specifically pertaining to the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act, and Criminal Mischief (C.R.S. 18-4-501(F3)). Prosecutors alleged that Yedo knowingly and intentionally disposed of the hazardous material in a manner that posed a risk to the environment and required significant remediation efforts.

On February 25, 2010, Yedo entered a guilty plea to a single count – the violation of C.R.S. 25-15-310(1)(b) – acknowledging his responsibility for the illegal dumping. This plea allowed the prosecution to focus on securing appropriate penalties for the environmental damage and financial burden placed on Union Pacific.

The sentencing, handed down on April 22, 2010, reflected the seriousness of the offense. Yedo was ordered to serve 19 days in jail, followed by a 72-month probationary period. Crucially, the court also mandated restitution payments totaling $66,254 to Union Pacific Railroad, intended to cover the costs associated with the cleanup and restoration of their property. The case highlights the EPA and state authorities’ commitment to prosecuting environmental crimes and holding individuals accountable for the improper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who disregard environmental regulations. Improper disposal of hazardous waste not only poses a threat to public health and the environment but also carries significant legal and financial repercussions. Petroleum Products, LLC was not charged in this incident.

Key Facts

Defendant: Steven James Yedo
Crime: Illegal Dumping of Gasoline
Location: Commerce City, Colorado
Date of Incident: 2010
Statutes Violated: C.R.S. 25-15-310(1)(b) – Violation of the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act.
Penalties: 19 days incarceration, 72 months probation, $66,254 restitution to Union Pacific Railroad.
Company Affiliation: Petroleum Products, LLC (driver)

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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