Walla Walla, WA – William Schwerin, owner of Schwerin Concaves, a Walla Walla-based company specializing in combine parts, was sentenced to probation and community service after pleading guilty to federal charges of illegally managing hazardous waste. The case, brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the dangers of improper handling of toxic materials generated by industrial processes.
Schwerin Concaves performed chromium electroplating on combine concaves – critical components used to separate wheat from chaff. These parts require a durable, wear-resistant surface, leading the company to utilize chromium plating. However, the process inevitably generates hazardous waste, and investigators found Schwerin and his company failed to adhere to federal regulations governing its storage and transportation.
The investigation, which led to charges in July 2000, revealed that Schwerin Concaves was not properly managing the hazardous waste byproducts of the chromium plating operation. Specific violations included the improper storage of hazardous materials on site, creating potential environmental risks, and the illegal transportation of said waste, bypassing established tracking and disposal protocols. The EPA’s criminal enforcement division determined these actions constituted a significant breach of environmental law.
On February 9, 2001, Schwerin entered a guilty plea to two counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Specifically, he was found to have violated 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), pertaining to the illegal storage of hazardous waste, and 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5), covering the illegal transportation of hazardous waste. While no monetary fine was imposed, the court sentenced Schwerin to a 24-month probationary period. The terms included six months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, ensuring strict adherence to the conditions of his release, and 200 hours of community service.
The EPA’s pursuit of this case underscores the agency’s commitment to holding individuals and companies accountable for environmental crimes. Improper handling of hazardous waste poses serious threats to public health and the environment, and the RCRA legislation is designed to prevent such occurrences. This case serves as a cautionary tale for businesses engaging in processes that generate hazardous byproducts, emphasizing the necessity of strict compliance with environmental regulations.
The lack of a financial penalty in this case has raised some eyebrows among environmental watchdogs, who often advocate for stricter financial repercussions to deter future offenses. However, the combination of probation, home confinement, and community service represents a significant penalty, particularly considering the potential for environmental damage had the illegal activities continued undetected. The EPA continues to monitor similar operations nationwide to ensure compliance and protect vulnerable communities.
Key Facts
- Defendant: William Schwerin & Schwerin Concaves
- Location: Walla Walla, Washington
- Year: 2001
- Crime: Illegal hazardous waste management (storage & transportation)
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(5)
- Penalty: 24 months probation (6 months home confinement w/ monitoring), 200 hours community service. No fine.
- Industry: Agricultural Machinery (combine parts) – Chromium Electroplating
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Explorer Pipeline Company Fined for Clean Water Act Violation, Hunt… · Florida
- Timothy Rich, FDIC Supervision Violation, Atlanta GA, 2023 · Wisconsin
- Letitia James Convicts Google of Ad Monopoly Violation, New York, 2023 · Michigan
- Ticketmaster, Antitrust Violation, New York NY, 2023 · Wisconsin
- Brannon Finney, Illegal Toxic Waste Dumping, Alaska, 2023 · Alaska
