Milford, OH – Tournesol Siteworks, a now-defunct company specializing in site amenities, and its former Plant Manager, Steven Mills, have both been penalized for illegally dumping hazardous waste into the storm sewer system at their Milford, Ohio facility in 2012. The incident occurred during the final stages of operations as the company prepared to shutter the location.
According to court documents, the improper disposal involved liquid hazardous waste generated during the facility cleanup process. While authorities confirmed none of the ignitable waste ultimately reached a nearby creek, the discharge into the storm sewer – considered “waters of the State” under Ohio law – constituted a serious environmental violation. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigated the matter, leading to criminal charges against both the company and Mills.
On May 23, 2012, Tournesol Siteworks and Steven Mills were formally charged with violating Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 6111.04, which prohibits the discharge of pollutants into state waters without proper authorization. The charges stemmed from the deliberate act of bypassing proper waste disposal protocols in favor of dumping directly into the municipal storm drain, a move investigators believe was intended to expedite the closure process and reduce costs.
The legal proceedings concluded with guilty pleas from both parties. On August 14, 2012, Tournesol Siteworks admitted guilt and was sentenced to a $1,250 state fine, as well as $3,750 in restitution payable to the Northeast Environmental Enforcement Partnership (NEEP). Mills, individually, pled guilty on September 10, 2012, receiving a sentence of 50 hours of community service, a $1,000 state fine, and $1,500 in restitution to the Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association (MEEA).
While the amount of hazardous waste released was not substantial enough to cause widespread ecological damage, the case highlights the critical importance of adhering to environmental regulations even during business closures. Experts emphasize that proper hazardous waste disposal is not merely a legal obligation, but a fundamental responsibility to protect public health and the environment. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for other companies facing similar circumstances.
The Ohio EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of water pollution laws, conducting regular inspections and investigations to ensure compliance. This case demonstrates that individuals, as well as corporations, can be held accountable for environmental crimes, even if the immediate impact appears limited. The penalties levied against Tournesol Siteworks and Steven Mills aim to deter future violations and reinforce the seriousness of protecting Ohio’s valuable water resources.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Tournesol Siteworks & Steven Mills
- Crime: Illegal dumping of hazardous waste into a storm sewer
- Location: Milford, Ohio
- Statute Violated: Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 6111.04 – Water Pollution
- Company Penalty: $1,250 fine + $3,750 restitution to NEEP
- Individual Penalty (Mills): 50 hours community service, $1,000 fine + $1,500 restitution to MEEA
- Date of Incident: 2012
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Duke Energy Beckjord LLC, Clean Water Act Violation, Ohio 2014 · Maryland
- Dr. John Doe Sentenced to 2+ Years for Bribery, O.C. CA, 2024 · New York
- Ex-Chairman John Smith, Ran $250M Securities Fraud Scheme, New York… · New York
- Robert Gordon, Healthcare Fraud, FL, 2023 · Florida
- Craig Sherman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, West Palm Beach FL, 2023 · Florida
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime