Local Company Charged With Improper Storage Of Explosive Hazardous Waste

PHILADELPHIA – An information, filed on May 7, 2014, charges Action Manufacturing Company with illegal storage of explosive hazardous waste at its facility in Atglen, Chester County, PA, and transportation of hazardous material in violation of regulations, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. 

Action Manufacturing makes timing and arming devices for munitions and explosives.  Its manufacturing process generates explosive solid waste, that must be disposed of in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  According to the information, instead of sending its waste to an approved treatment, storage and disposal facility, Action Manufacturing stockpiled identified explosive hazardous waste at its Atglen facility without a permit, including scrap parts and components that were years or even decades overdue for disposal.  Action Manufacturing also violated Department of Transportation recordkeeping regulations for transporting explosive material on the public roads.

If convicted, Action Manufacturing faces a maximum possible sentence of five years of probation, with a mandatory minimum term of one year of probation, a $50,000 fine for violating transportation regulations, and fine of $100,000 per day for its storage violation, and a special assessment of $800.

The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigations Division, and the United States Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.

Click here to view the indictment

An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525