Terry Williams, Clean Air Act Violation, Michigan 2014

Detroit, MI – Terry Williams, 49, of Detroit, Michigan, is spending over two years behind bars after being convicted of knowingly violating federal environmental regulations during the demolition of the former AMC headquarters. Williams was sentenced on October 24, 2014, to 27 months in federal prison, following a guilty plea entered earlier that month.

The case, investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, centers around Williams’ reckless dismantling of the Plymouth Road facility in 2012. Instead of adhering to mandated safety protocols, Williams directed crews to strip the building of salvageable metals, a process that resulted in the illegal release of harmful substances into the environment.

According to court documents, Williams’ crews dismantled between 50 and 70 air conditioning units, releasing significant quantities of R-22 refrigerant, a known ozone-depleting substance. This blatant disregard for environmental law contributed to the ongoing depletion of the ozone layer, potentially impacting both human health and the wider ecosystem. Simultaneously, Williams ordered the removal of pipes insulated with asbestos-containing materials, failing to implement essential work practices designed to prevent the release of dangerous asbestos fibers.

The EPA’s Randall Ashe emphasized the severity of the violations, stating that Williams’ actions put both his workers and the public at risk of serious health consequences from asbestos exposure. The improper handling of asbestos, a known carcinogen, can lead to debilitating and often fatal diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Furthermore, the release of R-22 refrigerant contributes to global warming and damages the atmospheric ozone layer, which protects the earth from harmful UV radiation.

U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade underscored the importance of enforcing environmental laws, highlighting that such disregard for regulations not only endangers immediate health but also compromises air quality for future generations. The prosecution of Williams aims to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider prioritizing profit over public safety and environmental responsibility. Williams violated 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) of the Clean Air Act, which prohibits knowingly releasing ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere and failing to properly handle asbestos-containing materials.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Terry Williams, 49, of Detroit, MI
Crime: Clean Air Act Violations (Illegal release of R-22 refrigerant and improper asbestos removal)
Location: Former AMC Headquarters, Plymouth Road, Detroit, MI
Date of Sentence: October 24, 2014
Sentence: 27 months of incarceration
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) – Clean Air Act
Charges Filed: November 19, 2013

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Gorland and David Mucha led the prosecution, demonstrating a commitment to holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes. This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental regulations are not merely suggestions, but legally enforceable rules designed to protect public health and the environment. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to ensure accountability.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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