CHEMIS
- Chemical Health & Environmental Management Information System -

WEST VIRGINIA MAN FAILS TO REPORT INJURY-CAUSING SPILL

Russell Moneypenny, a licensed hazardous waste driver from Parkersburg, W.V., agreed to plead guilty on Aug. 6 to violating the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. He failed to notify authorities of a spill from a tanker truck of waste known as "skunk water, "causing a dozen injuries. The foul-smelling and ignitable waste, which contains benzene, methanol and mercaptan, found its way onto other vehicles and twelve persons were transported by ambulance and treated at local medical facilities for a variety of symptoms of exposure including nausea, headaches, skin irritation, dizziness and burning eyes. In addition to these immediate effects, benzene is a known carcinogen. Vehicles that came into contact with the waste also had to be decontaminated. If the plea agreement is accepted by the Court, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Charleston, W.Va.