William Chester Reichle, Hazardous Waste Disposal, OR 1995

Molalla, OR – William Chester Reichle, owner of Reichle, Inc., was sentenced in November 1994 following a protracted investigation into the illegal dumping of hazardous waste across Clackamas County, Oregon. The case, originating with the discovery of waste in March 1992, revealed a pattern of reckless environmental disregard that culminated in criminal charges and substantial financial penalties.

The initial discovery by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – referred to in court documents as “CLM” – centered on a site near Molalla, where investigators found approximately six 55-gallon drums and 38 five-gallon buckets filled with discarded paint and solvent waste. Further investigation quickly traced the origin of the waste back to Reichle, Inc. A secondary illegal dumping ground was subsequently located on private property in Mulino, Oregon, with evidence again pointing to Reichle, Inc. as the generator of the hazardous materials.

The investigation didn’t stop with Reichle himself. Two individuals, identified as Krupicka and Dingus, were also charged with illegal disposal of commercial waste on public lands (a violation of 43 C.F.R. 8365.1-1)b)(4)). While both were convicted and fined – Krupicka $100 and Dingus $500 – the primary focus remained on the systematic environmental violations committed by Reichle and his company.

On August 6th and 24th, 1993, Krupicka and Dingus respectively faced charges related to the illegal dumping. Reichle and Reichle, Inc. were then indicted on two counts each of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste. The indictment alleged a deliberate pattern of circumventing proper waste disposal protocols to cut costs, posing a significant risk to public health and the environment.

In May 1994, Reichle and the company entered a guilty plea to one count of the RCRA violation, with the second count dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The sentencing, delivered on November 21, 1994, reflected the severity of the offenses. William Reichle received six months of home detention, a 60-month probationary period, and was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service. Reichle, Inc. was placed on 60 months probation. Critically, both Reichle and his company were held jointly responsible for $30,000 in restitution to cover cleanup costs and a $5,000 criminal fine.

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Key Facts

Defendant: William Chester Reichle & Reichle, Inc.
Location: Molalla & Mulino, Oregon
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – RCRA (Illegal Hazardous Waste Disposal)
Sentencing: Reichle – 6 months home detention, 60 months probation, 150 hrs community service. Reichle, Inc. – 60 months probation.
Financial Penalties: $30,000 restitution (jointly), $5,000 criminal fine (jointly).
Co-Defendants: Krupicka and Dingus convicted of illegal dumping; fined $100 and $500 respectively.

The Reichle case serves as a stark reminder of the Environmental Protection Agency’s commitment to enforcing hazardous waste regulations and holding individuals and corporations accountable for environmental crimes. The substantial financial penalties and personal restrictions imposed on Reichle demonstrate that illegal waste disposal will not be tolerated, and that responsible environmental stewardship is paramount.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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