Cape Cod Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Disposing Of Hazardous Waste

Sept. 24, 2002
A Cape Cod resident pleaded guilty this in federal court to illegally disposing of a mercury-based fungicide on National Park Service property.

United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan and Michael E. Hubbard, special agent in charge of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division for New England, said Michael A. Raasch, age 45, of Brewster, Ma., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph L. Tauro to one count of illegally disposing of hazardous waste without a permit in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

At the plea hearing, the prosecutor told the court that, had the case gone to trial the evidence would have shown that Raasch was employed as the golf course superintendent at the Chequessett Yacht and Country Club in Wellfleet, Ma. On April 4, 2000, Raasch disposed of a four-pound bag of Calo-Gran, a mercury-based fungicide, by dumping it in a deserted location near the sixth fairway, a location that is owned by the National Park Service. The fungicide contained concentrations of mercury far in excess of permitted levels.

Judge Tauro scheduled sentencing for Dec. 17, 2002. Raasch faces up to five years' imprisonment, to be followed by three years' supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and the National Park Service investigated the case.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

Sponsored Recommendations

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

What is the difference between Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers and why do they matter?

March 13, 2025
From raw materials to final products, each supplier tier poses risks and liabilities that can impact your organization. Avetta's supply chain management software offers peace ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!