Brunswick, GA – A complex case of environmental crimes stemming from the operations of LCP Chemicals, a division of the Hanlin Group, culminated in multiple convictions and sentences throughout 1998 and 1999. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of knowingly violating federal environmental regulations, resulting in significant contamination of a 550-acre facility in Brunswick, Georgia.
The investigation focused on the improper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, specifically mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), during LCP Chemicals’ production of chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and muriatic acid. Evidence showed a deliberate disregard for environmental safeguards, leading to widespread pollution and potential endangerment to public health and the surrounding ecosystem. The Hanlin Group, formerly owned by Allied Signal, ultimately filed for bankruptcy, avoiding financial penalties despite admitting guilt.
Wilbur Duane Outhwaite was initially charged in February 1998 with violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). He ultimately pled guilty and, on April 7, 1999, was sentenced to 70 months of probation, 1000 hours of community service, and a $1,400 special assessment fee. However, Outhwaite’s case was just one thread in a far larger web of criminal activity. James C. Dunn also pled guilty to CWA violations and violations of the Endangered Species Act, receiving a nine-month prison sentence and 12 months probation.
The scope of the criminal activity expanded significantly with the indictments of Christian Hansen, Randall Hansen, Alfred R. Taylor, and D. Brent Hanson in May 1998. These individuals faced a barrage of charges including conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371), violations of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319), violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) relating to hazardous waste management (42 U.S.C. 6928), violations of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) concerning failure to report hazardous substance releases (42 U.S.C. 9603), and, in some cases, violations of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1538). Alfred Taylor was convicted on 20 counts, receiving a 78-month prison sentence and 24 months probation. Christian Hansen received a lengthy 108-month prison sentence, along with probation and fines.
Sentencing varied widely among the defendants. Randall Hansen received 46 months probation and $20,000 in fines, while D. Brent Hanson received 18 months incarceration, 12 months probation, 150 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine. The charges against the defendants centered around knowingly violating environmental regulations, failing to properly manage hazardous waste, and failing to report releases of dangerous substances. The EPA’s enforcement action demonstrates a commitment to holding individuals and corporations accountable for environmental crimes that jeopardize public health and the environment. The bankruptcy of Hanlin Group/LCP Chemical highlights the difficulties in securing financial restitution in such cases.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Wilbur Duane Outhwaite, among others (James Dunn, Christian Hansen, Randall Hansen, Alfred Taylor, D. Brent Hanson, and Hanlin Group/LCP Chemical)
- Location: Brunswick, Georgia
- Year: 1999 (cases spanned 1998-1999)
- Crimes: Violations of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6928), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9603), Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1538), and Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371)
- Contaminants: Mercury and PCBs
- Penalties: Ranged from probation and community service to over 100 months of incarceration and substantial fines. The corporate entity filed for bankruptcy, avoiding financial penalties.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on the pursuit of justice for communities impacted by pollution and illegal activity.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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