El Cajon, CA – Warren K. Moore, owner of Advanced Finishing Inc., a metal plating facility, was sentenced in April 2011 following a guilty plea to charges stemming from years of blatant disregard for environmental regulations. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of illegal hazardous waste disposal and water pollution, culminating in a shutdown order from the El Cajon Fire Department and subsequent criminal indictment.
Advanced Finishing Inc. operated with a documented history of noncompliance, routinely violating wastewater pretreatment standards and improperly handling hazardous waste. In July 2008, the El Cajon Fire Department forced the facility to halt operations, citing dangerous storage practices of chemicals and the lack of required city permits. Despite the cease-and-desist order, Moore continued to operate in a manner that demonstrably harmed the environment. Covert sewer sampling conducted by the San Diego Industrial Wastewater Control Program following the fire department’s action, confirmed ongoing and significant violations.
Samples taken in August and September of 2008 revealed consistent and excessive discharges of Chromium, Copper, Nickel, and Zinc into the sewer system – all in violation of the facility’s pretreatment permit. These pollutants pose significant risks to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. Investigators found Moore knowingly circumvented environmental safeguards, prioritizing profit over responsible waste management and regulatory adherence.
Indictment and Plea
On June 25, 2010, Moore was indicted on nine counts of violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A)) and one count of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(3)). The RCRA charge specifically involved the illegal manifesting of hazardous waste as non-hazardous, effectively concealing its dangerous properties and avoiding proper disposal protocols. Moore ultimately pled guilty to these charges, acknowledging his culpability in the environmental crimes.
Sentencing and Restitution
On April 29, 2011, Moore received a sentence of two months of home confinement. In addition to the confinement, he was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment and a substantial $29,715.70 in restitution. The restitution was allocated to cover damages and costs incurred by various agencies involved in the cleanup and investigation. The California Air Resources Board received $4,628, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health Services received $15,804.70, and the City of San Diego Metropolitan Industrial Waste Program received $9,283. The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal charges against individuals who knowingly endanger public health and the environment.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Warren K. Moore
- Company: Advanced Finishing Inc.
- Location: El Cajon, California
- Year: 2011
- Statutes Violated: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(3)), Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1317(d) & 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A))
- Sentence: 2 months home confinement
- Restitution: $29,715.70
- Pollutants: Chromium, Copper, Nickel, Zinc
- The El Cajon Fire Department ordered Advanced Finishing Inc. to cease operations in 2008 due to unsafe chemical storage.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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