Salmon, ID – William Allen “Billy” Hurlbut, Jr. was sentenced in December 2012 following an incident at Birch Creek Campground near Salmon, Idaho, where he illegally burned hazardous waste, specifically wire containing lead, in a public fire ring. The incident, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), resulted in the contamination of federal land and triggered both environmental and property destruction charges.
On July 10, 2012, Hurlbut was initially charged with violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), pertaining to the illegal disposal of hazardous waste. He also faced a charge under 18 U.S.C. 1361 for the destruction of government property. The EPA’s investigation revealed that the burned wire leached lead into the soil at levels exceeding permissible limits. Analytical testing using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) showed concentrations of 5.660 and 7.69 parts per million (ppm), while the hazardous waste limit for lead is 5 ppm.
The burning of the wire wasn’t merely a careless act; it constituted a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and the safety of public lands. Birch Creek Campground, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is a popular recreational area, and the contamination posed a potential health risk to visitors. The BLM was ultimately responsible for the cleanup and remediation of the affected area, incurring significant costs.
Hurlbut ultimately pled guilty to the destruction of government property charge on December 20, 2012. In exchange for the guilty plea, the RCRA charge was dismissed. While the full scope of the environmental damage remains difficult to quantify, the plea agreement reflected the severity of the offense and the defendant’s acknowledgement of wrongdoing related to the damage inflicted on federal property.
The sentencing, handed down shortly after the guilty plea, included a term of time served – equivalent to 100 days, or roughly three months and ten days – followed by a 36-month probationary period. Hurlbut was also ordered to pay $3,606 in restitution to the Bureau of Land Management to cover the costs associated with the cleanup. Notably, a fine was waived due to documented financial hardship.
This case highlights the EPA’s continued commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding individuals accountable for actions that endanger public health and the environment. The improper disposal of hazardous waste, even in seemingly remote locations, can have lasting consequences, and federal agencies are actively working to prevent and prosecute such offenses. The incident serves as a stark reminder that responsible waste management is crucial for protecting both our natural resources and the well-being of our communities.
Key Facts
- Defendant: William Allen (Billy) Hurlbut, Jr.
- Location: Birch Creek Campground, Salmon, Idaho
- Date of Incident: July 2012
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1361 (Destruction of Government Property), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) (Illegal Disposal of Hazardous Waste – RCRA)
- Hazardous Substance: Lead contained in burned wire
- TCLP Results: 5.660 ppm & 7.69 ppm (Hazardous Waste Limit: 5 ppm)
- Sentence: Time Served (100 days), 36 months probation, $3,606 restitution to BLM. Fine waived.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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