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MARYLAND BUSINESSMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN CHLORINE CASE
Release Date: 04/20/2000
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2000
MARYLAND BUSINESSMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN CHLORINE CASE
Richard Fletcher, owner of a now-defunct company, CCR Steel Doors Inc., in Laurel, Md., pleaded guilty on April 13 to violating the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) by failing to report the abandonment of cylinders containing approximately 200 pounds of chlorine gas. In his plea, the defendant admitted that on June 11, 1998 he removed nine steel cylinders containing chlorine gas from a warehouse from which his business had been evicted, and dumped them next door in the parking lot of the Laurel Commerce Center. Chlorine is a highly toxic gas which can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes, plus severe damage to the lungs if inhaled. When sentenced, Fletcher faces up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center and the District of Columbia Environmental Crimes Unit. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Greenbelt, Md.
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