NCJ Number
129289
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1991) Pages: 20-25
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The United States produces about 125 billion pounds of hazardous waste annually, and Federal, State, and local efforts have been initiated to deal with hazardous waste disposal and to deter environmental crime.
Abstract
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was enacted in 1976 to manage hazardous waste. Under this act, the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste at any place other than an authorized facility is illegal. Violators are subject to civil penalties of $25,000 per day for continued noncompliance, and persons convicted of violations are subject to criminal penalties of up to $50,000 for each day of violation and imprisonment for a maximum of 5 years. The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act was passed in 1980 to handle existing hazardous waste sites. This act established a $1.6-billion fund to be used for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites. Several States have enacted criminal sanctions for knowing or reckless conduct involving the illegal disposal of toxic or hazardous waste. Law enforcement's role in hazardous waste management encompasses municipal police departments, county district attorney or prosecutor offices, State police, State attorney general offices, and State regulatory agencies. Recognizing the importance of a partnership among Federal, State, and local agencies, the Northeast Hazardous Waste Coordination Committee was established in 1980. Its efforts focus on increasing awareness of the problem and on educating law enforcement and related personnel on the dangers of environmental crime. 20 footnotes