Des Moines Man Sentenced to Four Years Probation, Six Months Home Confinement for Illegal Storage of Hazardous Waste

Des Moines, IA—On February 19, 2021, Russell Allen McKeehan, Sr., age 60, of Des Moines, appeared before United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger and was sentenced to four years of probation for storage of hazardous waste without a permit. The sentence includes a six-month term of home confinement. McKeehan pleaded guilty to this offense on October 14, 2020.

McKeehan, doing business as Chrome Reflections, operated a chrome and metal plating and polishing business. He ceased chrome and metal processes at the East 14th Street facility around March 2013. After, he continued to store over 3,800 kilograms of hazardous wastes, including corrosive chemicals and reactive cyanide at the location. Cleanup of the site began in September 2016 and concluded in November 2017 and cost $79,926. The Court ordered McKeehan pay restitution in the amount of $49,926 toward the cleanup costs.

“Hazardous wastes pose serious public health and environmental dangers, so it’s imperative they be handled and disposed of safely and legally,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Iowa. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear signal that EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to holding individuals accountable who violate the environmental laws that protect the health of our communities.”

“Our office will continue to aggressively enforce these important environmental laws to protect the citizens of the Southern District of Iowa,” said Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. “This case demonstrates the committed partnership between the EPA and the United States Attorney’s Office to protect the environment and ensure individuals and companies follow the law.”