EPA Files Complaint against Nevada Auto Dismantler

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Reed Skenandore, who operates an auto dismantling business in Gardnerville, Nevada, with violating federal law governing the safe handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste.

Skenandore operates an auto dismantling business and an unpermitted illegal waste disposal site that has resulted in open dumping and illegal disposal of hazardous waste over an 80-acre site. The facility is located near Gardnerville, Nevada.

The EPA claims that auto dismantling and illegal waste disposal site not only contained waste from the on-site dismantling of automobiles, but also contained large quantities of waste accepted from off site. Wastes included abandoned automobiles, trailers, tires, car batteries, construction waste, used oil, used appliances, televisions and computer monitors, waste paint, and aerosol cans.

“Open dumping is a problem in Indian Country and other rural areas with limited access to solid waste management programs,” says Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest region. “When individuals choose to operate facilities that promote open dumping and the illegal disposal of hazardous waste, EPA will hold them accountable by vigorously enforcing federal laws to protect communities and the environment from harm.”

EPA’s administrative complaint alleges that Skenandore violated the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) by:

•         Open dumping of solid waste;

•         Open burning of solid waste;

•         Failing to notify EPA of its waste handling activity and to apply for an EPA identification number;

•         Failing to label containers of used oil; and

•         Failure to respond to releases of oil to the environment.

Under RCRA, EPA can assess a civil penalty of up to $37,500 per day, per violation.