Greenbelt, MD – Syvalia Satterfield, operator of the now-defunct Growth Enterprises, Inc., was sentenced in September 1997 following a federal investigation into illegal hazardous waste handling. Satterfield knowingly transported and improperly stored dangerous chemicals, masquerading as a licensed hazardous waste transporter despite lacking the necessary permits.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) uncovered a disturbing pattern of reckless endangerment. Satterfield’s Growth Enterprises accepted spent dry cleaning solvents – specifically, tetrachloroethylene, commonly known as perchloroethylene – from clients under the pretense of proper disposal. Instead of adhering to environmental regulations, Satterfield illegally dumped the hazardous waste at multiple unauthorized locations throughout Maryland and Washington D.C.
These locations were shockingly careless and posed significant risks to public health and the environment. Investigators discovered waste stored at a public storage facility in Silver Spring, Maryland, on the balcony of Satterfield’s apartment building overlooking the heavily trafficked Capitol Beltway, and even in the backyard of an associate’s residence within the District of Columbia. The brazen nature of the disposal sites raised immediate concerns about potential contamination and exposure.
The case began to unravel on April 30, 1997, when Satterfield was charged with two counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the knowing treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste without a permit. Satterfield initially failed to appear for his scheduled court date, prompting his arrest by EPA-CID agents in Atlanta, Georgia. He was briefly detained before being extradited back to Maryland to enter his guilty plea.
Sentencing and Penalties
On June 18, 1997, Satterfield pled guilty to both RCRA violations. On September 8, 1997, he received a sentence of 10 months incarceration, followed by a 48-month probationary period. In addition to imprisonment, Satterfield was ordered to pay $4,468 in federal fines and restitution to those who had contracted Growth Enterprises for legitimate waste disposal services. The financial penalties aimed to cover the costs associated with cleanup and remediation efforts.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Syvalia Satterfield
- Company: Growth Enterprises, Inc.
- State: Maryland/District of Columbia
- Year: 1997
- Crime: Illegal Hazardous Waste Handling
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – RCRA
- Hazardous Waste: Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
- Penalties: 10 months imprisonment, 48 months probation, $4,468 in fines & restitution
This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with the illegal handling of hazardous waste. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of environmental laws to protect communities and the environment from dangerous pollutants and unscrupulous operators.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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