Wade Jones, Hazardous Waste Disposal, Arkansas 1994

Little Rock, AR – Wade Jones Company, Incorporated, a manufacturer of veterinary supplies, was slapped with a $50,000 fine in 1994 after illegally disposing of hazardous waste, leading to a school evacuation and widespread disruption in the local community. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of negligent waste management that ultimately jeopardized public health and safety.

According to court documents, the company improperly handled a waste product containing high concentrations of phenols and cresols. Instead of adhering to federal regulations, Wade Jones Company discharged the substance into an on-site pretreatment holding tank already brimming with other industrial waste. This practice quickly overwhelmed the system’s capacity, resulting in a mixture that failed to meet established pretreatment standards for discharge into the municipal sewer system.

Rather than address the overflowing and non-compliant waste, employees at Wade Jones Company took the drastic and illegal step of pumping the hazardous mixture directly onto the ground. This reckless disposal method immediately released noxious odors that drifted towards a nearby school and surrounding businesses. The stench was so overpowering that authorities were forced to evacuate the school and several commercial establishments, disrupting classes and commerce.

The EPA brought charges against Wade Jones Company on July 19, 1994, alleging a violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, the company was cited for violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d), which prohibits the illegal disposal of hazardous waste. Faced with overwhelming evidence, Wade Jones Company pled guilty to the charge.

In addition to the substantial $50,000 fine, the company was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment. While the financial penalties represent a measure of accountability, environmental advocates at the time questioned whether the punishment was sufficient given the severity of the environmental damage and the public health risk created by the company’s actions. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges in enforcing environmental regulations and holding industrial facilities accountable for their waste management practices.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Wade Jones Company, Incorporated
Location: Arkansas
Year: 1994
Crime: Illegal disposal of hazardous waste containing phenols and cresols
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Penalty: $50,000 fine and $200 special assessment
Impact: Evacuation of a local school and businesses due to noxious odors.

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Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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