Michigan.gov/EGLE | 800-662-9278
JANUARY 2023
MICHIGAN ENVIRONMENTAL
CRIMES HANDBOOK
FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
EGLE does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, disability,
political beliefs, height, weight, genetic information, or sexual orientation in the administration of any of its programs
or activities, and prohibits intimidation and retaliation, as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Michigan’s Environmental Justice Policy promotes the fair, non-discriminatory treatment and meaningful involvement
of Michigan’s residents regarding the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies by this state. Fair, non-discriminatory treatment intends that no group of people, including
racial, ethnic, or low-income populations, will bear a disproportionately greater burden resulting from environmental
laws, regulations, policies, and decision-making. Meaningful involvement of residents ensures an appropriate
opportunity to participate in decisions about a proposed activity that will affect their environment and/or health.
To request this material in an alternate format, contact [email protected] or call 800-662-9278.
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Table of Contents
ENFORCEMENT CONTACTS ............................................................................................................... . 1
What Is Environmental Crime? ................................................................................................................ 2
What Are the Motives? ........................................................................................................................ 2
Potential Offenders .............................................................................................................................. 2
Why Should Police Officers Be Concerned? ......................................................................................... 2
Multi-Agency Coordination .................................................................................................................. 3
State Statutes ...................................................................................................................................... 3
How to Recognize Potential Violations
.................................................................................................... 4
Unusual ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Odor .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Sight .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Secretive ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Res
ponse Tips for Patrol Officers ........................................................................................................ 5
Investigative Tips .................................................................................................................................... 6
Secure the Crime Scene ..................................................................................................................... 6
Michigan Criminal Env
ironmental Enforcement Statutes ......................................................................... 7
1994 Public Ac
t 451 ............................................................................................................................ 7
The Natural Resources and Env
ironmental Protection Act .................................................................. 7
I.
Air Pollution…Part 55 ............................................................................................................... 7
I
I.
Hazardous Waste…Part 111 .................................................................................................... 8
III.
Water Pollution…Part 31 .......................................................................................................... 9
I
V.
Solid Waste…Part 115 and Part 89 ..........................................................................................10
V.
Inland Lakes and Streams…Part 301 ...................................................................................... 12
VI
.
Wetland…Part 303 .................................................................................................................. 12
VII.
Environmental Remediation…
Part 201 .................................................................................... 13
V
III.
Liquid Industrial By Product…Part 121 .................................................................................... 13
I
X.
Transpor
tation Violations... Parts 111 and Part 121; and Public Act 138, Michigan Hazardous
Materials Trans
portation Act, of 1998 ...................................................................................... 14
X.
Other Violations ....................................................................................................................... 15
Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................................ 17
Environmental Crime Enforcement ........................................................................................................ 20
Environmental Crime Enforcement Contacts ...................................................................................... 21
ENFORCEMENT CONTACTS
MIC
HIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY (EGLE)
Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) ...................................... 800-292-4706
Environmental Assistance Center ......................................................... 800-662-9278
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Law Enforcement Division
Environmental Investigation Section
Lansing Headquarters
Chief David Shaw.................................................................................. 517-284-6017
Section Supervisor
F/Lt. Vencent Woods ............................................................................ 989-705-3449
2
nd
Lt. Erick Thorson ............................................................................. 586-753-3720
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE OPERATIONS (24 hours) ............................ 517-336-6604
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE ........... 800-648-6942
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Pollution Hotline .................................................................................... 800-621-8431
Lynn Rademacher, Special Agent ........................................................ 734-692-7651
Rich Porter, Special Agent in Charge ................................................... 734-692-7659
CHEMTREC (24 hours) ............................................................................ 800-424-9300
CANUTEL (Canada) ................................................................................. 613-996-6666
US COAST GUARD
National Response Center (24 hours) ................................................... 800-424-8802
POISON CONTROL CENTER .................................................................. 800-222-1222
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION ............................................... 313-965-2323
Page 1
2
nd
Lt. Trey Luce ................................................................................... 906-250-9516
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
What Is Environmental Crime?
Typically, it is the intentional, knowing, reckless, or criminally negligent violation of our environmental
laws and regulations. Criminal liability for environmental violations can occur at any stage in the
generation, treatment, transportation, and disposal of pollution. Although one important basis for criminal
prosecution of these crimes is Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (known
as the NREPA, which will be discussed in greater detail later), criminal prosecutions for these violations
may also be brought under several different parts of state and federal criminal codes.
What Are the Motives?
Money, greed, the desire to make money or to save money. Proper storage, treatment, and disposal of
pollution can be expensive. For example, the cost of legal disposal of hazardous waste can range up to
approximately $1,500 per 55-gallon drum, depending on the chemicals involved. Some generators
choose to dispose illegally rather than pay the high cost of legitimate disposal. On the other hand,
hazardous waste transporters often collect fees to properly dispose of the waste but choose to illegally
dispose of it and increase their profits.
Potential Offenders
Major generators of pollution include large manufacturing or industrial companies that make cars,
furniture, and clothes, and chemical industries that produce acids, cyanide, heavy metals, ignitables,
reactives, and solvents. Although large manufacturers, like the chemical industries, account for a
majority of all hazardous waste produced, they comprise only a small portion of all generators. So, who
are some of the other generators?
Water pollution, hazardous waste, household garbage, solid wastes, and medical wastes are products of
our society. They are generated in large manufacturing facilities, as well as in the local community,
including neighborhood households. Many small- and medium-sized businesses in the local community
are producers of pollution and are subject to liability. These include furniture builders or refinishers,
electroplaters or metal stampers, automotive repair and body shops, gas stations, analytical laboratories,
photo shops, funeral homes, dry cleaners, agricultural pesticide dealers, and hospitals. Virtually all types
of industry or manufacturing generate some type of waste in producing their finished product or
delivering their services.
Why Should Police Officers Be Concerned?
First and foremost, environmental crime sc
enes can be dangerous -- officer and public safety are of
paramount concern. And, because it is against the law. All states have felony and misdemeanor level
criminal provisions
of their environmental laws. Second, environmental crimes threaten the health and
environment of your community. Further, it is not unusual that people who engage in environmental
crimes also are involved in other criminal activity. Finally, the consequences and impacts of response
and clean-up activities that relate to these types of crimes could place a severe economic drain on the
community and, therefore, y
our department. Environmental crimes can affect the community where you
live and work.
Page 2
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 3
Illegally disposed pollutants harm the environment and human health through:
• S
urface water contamination
• Ground water contamination via seepage
• Air pollution via burning or evaporation
• Fires and explosions
• Poisoning via food chain
• Poisoning via exposure or direct human contact
Multi-Agency Coordination
Successful environmental crime enforcement requires a teamwork approach. Special inter-agency
cooperation and coordination are needed, with each member of the "environmental enforcement team"
bringing their unique expertise to the investigation. This team includes regulators, law enforcement
officers, prosecutors, toxicologists, chemists and others. None of the team members can successfully
enforce these violations alone. Do not attempt to operate outside of your expertise and training. Contact
the other members of the enforcement team and develop a teamwork approach to environmental crime
enforcement.
State Statutes
The charts on pages 8-15 summarize many of the environmental statutes typically encountered by law
enforcement personnel who investigate and prosecute environmental crimes. The charges are intended
as a reference guide only and it is strongly recommended that you consult the actual statutes if you have
a case that you believe may involve environmental criminal conduct. The charts break the statutes into
the following categories:
1. Air Pollution
2. Hazardous Waste
3. Water Pollution
4. Solid Waste
5. Wetlands
6. Environmental Remediation
7. Liquid Industrial By-product
8. Transporter Violations
9. Scrap Tires, Batteries, Used Oil
Also, be sure to refer to your local ordinances for other regulations and enforcement tools.
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 4
How to Recognize Potential Violations
Sometimes it will be easy to identify activities that are violations of the environmental laws and
regulations, while at other times it will be more difficult without sophisticated equipment. Environmental
crime is often reported by citizens who observe suspicious activity, company employees, or former
employees who have observed, or participated in, environmental violations, and environmental
regulatory inspectors. Local law enforcement officers can also encounter signs of potential
environmental criminal activity. The following general guidelines can be used to assist officers in
identifying potential criminal activity:
UNUSUAL
Does the type or source of the pollution seem unusual, i.e., something that is different from how
similar things appear to work or from how they worked previously?
ODOR
Does the pollution present a strong odor or smell that is unpleasant? If the odor from the pollution
burns your eyes, mouth, nose, or skin, you should immediately leave the area, contact local public
health officials and EGLE, and seek medical attention if it continues.
SIGHT
Does the pollution look particularly nasty or foul? While everyone will have their own views on what
this means, many of us will agree that certain things are offensive. For example, is there a strongly
colored water discharge from a pipe going into a clear stream or are there dead fish or animals in the
area of the pollution? Is there an area of dead grass or damaged vegetation near the pollution? Is
dark black smoke coming out of a smokestack, so dark in fact that you cannot see though it at all?
This is a likely air pollution violation. Similarly, is there a pipe discharging wastewater containing foam
and visible solids or that leaves a visible oil sheen on the water? This is likely a water pollution
violation.
SECRETIVE
Is there something secretive or suspicious about the potential pollution causing activity? For
example, is a bulldozer operating at night in a marsh or wetland? This might be an indication that
someone is illegally filling a wetland. Is a truck pouring wastewater into a sewer on the side of a
road? This might be an indication that someone is illegally dumping hazardous waste. Is someone
dumping garbage (in barrels, cans, or bags) at a site where it probably should not go, for example, in
the back of a parking lot, in an alley, in a vacant city lot, in the woods, or in someone else's trash
dumpster?
If the answer to these kinds of questions is yes, further investigation may be warranted. Your initial
observations and referral may be the key to the subsequent successful investigation and prosecution.
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 5
Respo
nse Tips for Patrol Officers
In environmental crime investigations, as in most cases, your best tool is standard investigative
technique with an environmental twist. Environmental investigations entail the same basic criminal
investigation techniques as traditional law enforcement.
Most of the following procedures are common sense. However, if any are contrary to your agency's
standard operating procedure, verbal and/or written agency instructions, or local ordinances, the S.O.P.
instructions or ordinance of your agency or locale should be followed.
Never
Jeopardize Your Safety or the Safety of the General Public.
Approach all potential environmental crime scenes with caution, as you
would any other crime scene. This is for your safety and the
preservation of physical evidence, and it conveys that you and your
department are serious about these potential dangers. Do not attempt
to enter a site unless you have had the proper training!
DO NOT BECOME A VICTIM!
Pr
eliminary Evaluation of the Scene…Hazardous or Not?
IF IT IS A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION
Immediately contact the authorities/professionals identified in this booklet.
Secure the crime scene (see next section).
Do not move or disturb anything.
Stay out of the immediate area, be careful where you walk, and what you breathe.
IF THE SCENE INVOLVES NON-HAZARDOUS WASTE
Follow the investigative tips in the next section of this booklet.
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Investigative Tips
SECURE THE CRIME SCENE
Request assistance from other members of the environmental enforcement team. You may need the
assistance of several other agencies: environmental or health regulatory agency, state police or
environmental crime investigators, hazardous materials response units or fire departments, state or local
prosecutors, etc. Remember, a multi-agency response is usually necessary to ensure a successful
investigation and prosecution of these types of crimes. Do not hesitate to contact these other agencies.
LOOK FOR PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Look for evidence such as tire impressions, footprints, mail with addresses or names on boxes in the
debris pile, lot numbers on drums, and all types of traditional evidence that you would collect from any
crime scene.
CHECK WITH AREA RESIDENTS
Area residents may have witnessed the illegal activity or know who owns the property in question. The
property owner could be a prime suspect or a victim. Either way, you will want to talk to them.
TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS
Take photographs of the crime scene, evidence found, vehicle(s) and/or equipment involved, and the
suspect. When in doubt, photograph.
IDENTIFY AND INTERVIEW ALL SUSPECTS
Make a taped statement, if possible, or obtain written statements. If you have requested the assistance
of other law enforcement agencies, you may want to detain all suspects until they arrive for further
questioning.
SEIZE PAPERWORK
Seize paperwork or items such as invoices, manifests, shipping papers, proposals, checks, business
cards, etc. from any vehicle(s) involved.
TRY TO SATISFY THE ELEMENTS OF THE OFFENSE
Satisfy as many elements of the violation as you possibly can using familiar police investigative
techniques. Remember, do not hesitate to request assistance from other members of the “environmental
enforcement team” in completing your investigation. You may want to contact local or state prosecutors
as soon as possible to ensure that all elements of the offense are covered.
Page 6
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 7
Michigan Criminal Environmental Enforcement Statutes 1994
PUBLIC ACT 451
THE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (MCL 324)
I. Air Pollution…Part 55
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum
Fine
Section 5531 (4)
Knowingly releases into the outdoor air a hazardous air
pollutant, contrary to law/permit, and because of the
quantities or concentrations, knew or should have known
that the release placed another in imminent danger of death
or serious bodily injury.
Felony 2 years
$10,000/day
Section 5531 (5)
Knowingly releases or causes the release of any hazardous
air pollutant contrary to law/permit, knew or should have
known at the time of the release that the release places
another in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury
and results in death or serious bodily injury.
Felony 6 years $25,000/day
Section 5531 (6)
Knowingly releases into the ambient air a hazardous air
pollutant contrary to law/permit, and who intended at the
time to place another in imminent danger of death or serious
bodily injury and results in death or serious bodily injury.
Felony 15 years $250,000/day
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 8
II. Hazardous Waste…Part 111
Prohibited Act Level of Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Section 11151(3)
Knowingly stores, treats, transports or
disposes of hazardous waste and at
that time placed another in imminent
danger of death or serious bodily injury
and manifested unjustifiable and
inexcusable disregard or extreme
indifference for human life.
Felony 2-5 years
Individual:
$250,000/day
Corporation:
$1 Million/day plus
costs
Section 11123
Conducting, managing, maintaining or
operating a hazardous waste
treatment, storage or disposal (TSD)
facility without a license.
Misdemeanor 1 year $25,000/day
Section 11137
A TSD facility accepting waste without
proper manifests.
Misdemeanor 1 year $25,000/day
Section 11135 and 11138
Failure to comply with the hazardous
waste generator requirements.
Misdemeanor 1 year $25,000/day
Section 11144
Failure to notify EGLE that hazardous
waste is being treated, disposed of, or
stored in violation of the hazardous
waste regulations.
Misdemeanor 1 year $25,000
Section 11132a(1)(b)
As a transporter of hazardous waste,
failure to carry a copy of the
registration and permit authorizing the
transport.
Misdemeanor 90 days $500
Section 11149
Willfully tears down, removes, or
destroys any sign or notice warning of
the presence of hazardous waste or
marking the boundaries of a TSD
facility.
Misdemeanor 90 days $500
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 9
III. Water Pollution…Part 31
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Subsequent
Violation
Section 3109
Discharge contaminants into state
waters.
- A person shall not directly or
indirectly discharge into the waters
of the state a substance that is or
may become injurious to:
a) public health, safety or welfare
b) to domestic commercial,
industrial, agricultural,
recreational or other uses that
are or may be made of such
waters
c) value or utility of riparian rights
d) livestock, wild animals, birds,
aquatic life, plants
e) value of fish and game
Felony
2 years
(5 years if the
court finds
substantial
endangerment
to public health)
$2,500 to
$25,000/day, plus
potential additional
$25,000/day per
violation ($1 million
if the court finds
substantial
endangerment)
$25,000 to
$50,000/day
Section 3115
Intentionally makes any false
statement, representation, or
certification in application for or form
relating to a permit or renders
inaccurate any monitoring device or
record required.
Felony 2 years
Individual - $2,500
to $25,000/day, plus
potential additional
$25,000/day
Corporation -
$25,000 to
$50,000/day
$25,000 to
$50,000/day
Section 3115(a)
• Failure to obtain a floodplain
permit or a violation of an issued
permit.
• Alters or causes the alteration of
a floodplain.
• Willfully or recklessly violates a
condition of a floodplain permit.
Misdemeanor $2,500
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 10
IV. Solid Waste…Part 115
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Section 11509
Constructing a solid waste storage, treatment, or
disposal operation without a permit.
Misdemeanor
6 months
(if in default of
payment of fine)
$1,000/violation
Section 11512
A person shall dispose of solid waste at a disposal
area licensed under this part unless permit allows
otherwise.
Misdemeanor
6 months
(if in default of
payment of fine)
$1,000/day
Section 11513
A person shall not accept solid waste generated
outside of the county unless authorized by both solid
waste county plans.
Misdemeanor
6 months
(if in default of
payment of fine)
$1,000/day
Section 11522
A person shall not burn grass clippings or leaves
unless local ordinance permits.
Misdemeanor
6 months
(if in default of
payment of fine)
$1,000/day
Section 11527
A transporter of solid waste must deliver to a licensed
transfer facility or disposal area.
Misdemeanor
6 months
(if in default of
payment of fine)
$1,000/day
Section 11514
Improper disposal of medical waste.
Misdemeanor
6 months
(if in default of
payment of fine)
$1,000/day
Note: Open Dumping and Open Burning are two of the most commonly filed environmental
misdemeanor charges brought in Michigan.
IV. Solid Waste…Part 89
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Section 8903
A person shall not throw any object or allow it to fall
into the path of or to hit a vehicle traveling upon a
highway.
Misdemeanor 1 year $500
Section 8905
A person shall not dump, deposit, place, throw, or
leave, or cause litter produced at a health facility,
health agency or laboratory as defined in Act 368 on
public or private property or water
Misdemeanor 6 months $1,000
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 11
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Section 8905a
A person who litters refuse, if the amount of the litter
is less than 1 cubic foot in volume
Civil infraction $800
Section 8905a
A person who litters refuse if the amount of litter is 1
cubic foot or more but less than 3 cubic feet in
volume, is responsible for a state civil infraction and is
subject to a civil fine of not more than $1,500.00.
Civil infraction $1,500
Section 8905a
A person who litters refuse if the amount of litter if the
amount of the litter is 3 cubic feet or more in volume
is subject to a civil fine of not more than $2,500.00.
Civil infraction
$2,500.00,
subsequent
violations $5,000
Section 8905a
A person shall not dump, deposit, place, throw, or
leave, or cause any of the following to be litter:
V. A vehicle that is considered abandoned under
section 252a of the Michigan Vehicle Code,
1949 PA 300, MCL 257.252a if the vehicle
has been disposed of under section 252g of
the Michigan Vehicle Code, 1949 PA 300,
MCL 257.252g.
VI. An abandoned vessel as defined in section
80130f if the abandoned vessel has been
disposed of under section 80130k.
VII. An ORV that is considered abandoned under
section 80130f as made applicable in section
81151 if the ORV has been disposed of under
section 80130k as made applicable in section
81151.
VIII. A snowmobile that is considered abandoned
under section 80130f as made applicable in
section 82161 if the snowmobile has been
disposed of under section 80130k as made
applicable in section 82161.
Civil infraction
$500 to $2,500,
subsequent
violations $1,000
to $5,000
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 12
V. Inland Lakes and Streams…Part 301
Prohibited Act Level
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Section 30102(1)
A person without a permit from the department shall
not do any of the following:
a) dredge or fill bottomland.
b) Construct, enlarge, remove, or place a structure
on bottomland
c) construct, reconfigure or expand a marina.
d) create, enlarge, or diminish an inland lake or
stream.
e) interfere with natural flow of inland lake or stream.
f) construct, dredge, commence, extend, or enlarge
an artificial canal, channel, ditch, lagoon, pond,
lake.
g) connect waterway to an existing inland lake or
stream.
Misdemeanor
$10,000 per
day
Section 30111(b)
Public road end; prohibited use:
a) construction, installation, maintenance, or use of
boat hoists or boat anchorage device.
b) mooring or docking of a vessel between 12
midnight and sunrise.
c) obstruct ingress or egress from inland lake or
stream.
Misdemeanor
$500 per 24
hours
VI. Wetland…Part 303
Prohibited Act Level
Maximum
Imprisonment
Fine
Subsequent
Violation
Section 30304
A person shall not do any of the
following without a permit:
1) deposit or permit the depositing of
fill material in a wetland.
2) dredge, remove, or permit the
removal of soil/minerals from a
wetland.
3) construct, operate, or maintain any
use or development in a wetland.
4) drain surface water from a wetland.
Misdemeanor $2,500
Section 30316
If a willful or reckless violation or of
permit. (Note: All Section 30316
violations may include restoration.)
Misdemeanor 1 year
$2,500 to
$25,000
Felony
2 years
and/or
$50,000
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 13
VII. Environmental Remediation…Part 201
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Subsequent
Violation
Section 20139
A person shall not release or
cause a release of a hazardous
substance, contrary to law/permit
if that person knew or should
have known that such releases
could cause personal injury or
property damage.
Felony 2 years
$2,500 to $25,000
per violation
2 years and/or
$25,000 to
$50,000
Section 20139
Violations are same as above, but
defendant posed a substantial
endangerment to public health,
safety, or welfare.
Felony 5 years $1 million
VIII. Liquid Industrial By Product…Part 121
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine
Subsequent
Violation
Section 12113
Failure to manage liquid industrial
waste to prevent any of the following:
• Discharge or liquid industrial
waste into the soil.
• Discharge of liquid industrial
waste into surface water or
groundwater.
• Discharge of liquid industrial
waste into a drain or sewer.
• Discharge or liquid industrial
waste in violation of part 55.
Misdemeanor 6 months
$1,000 minimum,
$2,500 maximum
Each day that a
violation
continues
constitutes a
separate
violation
Section 12116(2)
A person who knowingly makes or
causes to be made a false statement
or entry in a license application, a
manifest, or a shipping document.
Felony 2 years
$2,500 minimum,
$10,000
maximum
Each day that a
violation
continues
constitutes a
separate
violation
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 14
IX. Transportation Violations... Part 111 and Part 121; and Public Act 138, Michigan
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, of 1998
TRANSPORTER – Transporter regulations affect the movement of hazardous waste and liquid industrial
by-products from the place of generation to the point of treatment, storage, or disposal. Transporters
must obtain a site identification number from EGLE. They must also keep a copy of the Uniform
Hazardous Waste Manifest for hazardous waste shipment or a copy of the shipping document for liquid
industrial by-product transport shipments. Rail or water transportation also requires shipping papers. All
of these must be maintained for three years Shipping papers must include the proper shipping name of
hazardous material, the proper hazardous class for each (flammable, corrosive, etc.), the correct
identification number for each, the correct total quantity by weight, volume, or as otherwise appropriate.
Shippers must also ensure that applicable placarding requirements have been met for the materials
being shipped. A 10-3/4-inch diamond decal must be visibly displayed on each of the four sides of the
exterior of the transport container for the hazardous materials. A copy of the EGLE issued permit and
registration must also be available in each transport vehicle used for transport.
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum
Fine
Subsequent
Violation
Part 121, Section 12116(2)
A person who knowingly makes or
causes to be made a false statement or
entry in a license application or a
shipping document is guilty of a felony.
Felony 2 years
$2,500
minimum,
$10,000
maximum
Each day that a
violation
continues
constitutes a
separate
violation
Part 121, Section 12107
A vehicle used to transport liquid
industrial by-product, if transporting by
public roadway, shall carry a copy of the
registration and permit issued in
accordance with Act 138 and shall
produce it upon request of the
department or peace officer.
Misdemeanor 6 months
$1,000
minimum,
$2,500
maximum
Each day that a
violation
continues
constitutes a
separate
violation
Act 138, Section 29.473(2)
A motor carrier shall register with and
obtain a permit from EGLE or a
participating Alliance state prior to
transporting hazardous waste and/or
liquid industrial by-products within the
state of Michigan.
Civil Infraction NA $2,500
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 15
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum
Fine
Subsequent
Violation
Act 138, Section 29.473(2)
A motor carrier shall have and maintain
financial responsibility for bodily injury,
property damage, or environmental
damage to third parties caused by
accidental occurrences arising from the
transport of hazardous waste and liquid
industrial by-product on the MCS-90
form. Hazardous waste transporters
must maintain liability coverage for not
less than $1 million per occurrence.
Liquid industrial by-products transporters
must maintain liability coverage of:
• not less than $750,000.00 per
occurrence for motor carrier fleets
with 10,000 pounds gross vehicle
weight or more; and
• not less than $300,000.00 for fleets
less than 10,000 pounds gross
vehicle fleet weight.
Civil Infraction NA $2,500
X. Other Violations
Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine Subsequent
Violation
Scrap Tires, Part 169
Section 16902
Illegal disposal of a scrap tire;
Unapproved site.
Section 16903
A person who owns or operates
a tire collection site must
accumulate tires in a manner
comporting with height, width,
depth, covering, and health and
fire requirements.
Misdemeanor
<50 Tires up to 90
days
>50 Tires up to 180
days
and/or 100 hours of
community service
<50 $200-$500
>50 $500-
$10,000
Up to 1 year or
$1,000 - $25,000
or both per
violation
Section 16908c
Intentional burning prohibited.
Misdemeanor
180 days and/or 100
hours of community
service
$500 - $10,000
1 year or $1,000
- $25,000 or both
per violation
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
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Prohibited Act
Level of
Violation
Maximum
Imprisonment
Maximum Fine Subsequent
Violation
Used Batteries, Part 171
Section 17107
A person other than a retailer,
distributor, or manufacturer who
knowingly disposes of lead acid
or mercuric acid batteries in
violation of this. Each battery
that is unlawfully disposed of is
a separate violation.
Misdemeanor
Individual -
$25 per battery
Corporation -
$1,000 and/or 60
days
Used Oil, Part 167
Section 16704
A person shall not dispose of or
cause the disposal of used oil
by dumping used oil onto the
ground; discharging, dumping,
or depositing used oil into
sewers, drainage systems,
surface waters, groundwaters,
or other waters of this state.
Misdemeanor
90 days
(or recycling-related
community service,
number of hours
determined by the
court)
Individual -
$1,000 maximum
Corporation -
$2,500 maximum
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Terms and Definitions
CERCLA - Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980. CERCLA,
also known as “Superfund,” provides authority and funding for the cleanup of past hazardous waste
activities.
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations. Final compilation of federal regulations promulgated by different
agencies that have the legal effect of law. The regulations are published in the CFR after initial
publication in the Federal Register.
DISPOSAL FACILITY - A disposal facility is where solid or hazardous waste is discharged, deposited,
injected, dumped, spilled, or otherwise placed in an acceptable manner so that any constituent thereof
may not enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any waters including
groundwater.
DOT - Department of Transportation - regulates the transportation of hazardous materials.
GENERATOR - The State of Michigan defines a generator as any person whose act or process
produces waste. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [(RCRA) see below], a generator
is an entity that produces a hazardous waste or whose actions initially cause hazardous waste to be
regulated. Most criminal charges for environmental violations are brought against generators. Relatively
small-sized generators (under 50 employees) dominate the number of criminally charged generators.
Small-sized generators include auto body shops, metal treatment plating operations, tank car
refurbishing, printers and small manufacturers. Generators must obtain a U.S. EPA identification number
and, if required, a state identification number. Hazardous waste can be stored for up to 90 days on site
without a permit, but a permit is required if the waste is stored for a longer period.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL - A substance or material listed at 49 CFR 172.101, including a hazardous
substance, which has been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an
unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce. Regulated by the
Department of Transportation.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE - Any element, compound, mixture, solution or substance which, when
released into the environment, may present substantial danger to public health/welfare or the
environment. The definition excludes petroleum, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas or
synthetic gas usable for fuel. The CERCLA definition of hazardous substance is more inclusive than the
RCRA definition of hazardous waste.
HAZARDOUS WASTE - A solid waste or combination of solid wastes that, because of its quantity,
concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics: (a) causes or significantly contributes
to an increase in mortality or increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or (b)
poses a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly
treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. Hazardous waste is regulated under
the RCRA. The U.S. EPA has developed three lists of hazardous waste: (1) hazardous waste from
nonspecific sources, (2) hazardous waste from specific sources, and (3) discarded commercial chemical
products. A waste can also be classified as hazardous if it is not listed, provided it exhibits one of four
characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity. Exemptions from the definition of hazardous
waste include household waste, agricultural waste returned as fertilizer, mining overburden returned to
mining site, utility waste from coal combustion, oil and natural gas, and cement kiln dust wastes.
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ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
MANIFEST - The shipping documents that are prepared and signed by the generator in accordance with
the RCRA, Part 111 and Part 121. It designates the facilities to which the waste is being shipped, an
alternate site, the name of the transporter, and all identification numbers. The manifest must be signed
by all parties that have incurred responsibility for the waste during the course of shipment and must
accompany the shipment.
NPDES - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. NPDES is the effluent discharge permit
program of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. For a pollution discharge to be lawful, it must be in
compliance with an NPDES permit, which may be issued by the U.S. EPA or the state environmental
regulatory agency. Anyone discharging pollutants into United States' waterways must have a permit and
the discharge must be in compliance with that permit.
OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Adm
inistration. OSHA is a division of the Department of Labor.
It regulates workplace safety through the establishment of threshold limits on exposure to designated
hazardous chemicals including asbestos and carcinogens.
POLLUTANT - The term "pollutant" means dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage,
garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat,
wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste
discharged into water. This term does not mean (A) "sewage from vessels" or (B) water, gas, or other
material which is injected into a well to facilitate production of oil.
RCRA - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. This act establishes an extensive hazardous
waste regulatory system from the creation of the waste through its final disposal. This is done through
an extensive manifest system that records the wastes location, designation and responsible parties. The
RCRA gives officers, employees, or representatives of the U.S. EPA or states with an authorized
hazardous waste program, the right to inspect the premises and data of anyone who generates, stores,
treats, or disposes of hazardous waste.
RUBBISH – This means non-putrescible solid waste, excluding ashes, consisting of both combustible
and noncombustible waste, including paper, cardboard, metal containers, yard clippings, wood, glass,
bedding, crockery, demolished building materials, or litter of any kind that may be a detriment to public
health and safety.
RELEASE – This includes, but is not limited to, any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting,
emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing of a hazardous substance
into the environment, or the abandonment or discarding of barrels, containers, and other closed
receptacles containing a hazardous substance.
REMEDIAL ACTION - Actions taken in an effort to effect a permanent remedy at a hazardous waste site
taken instead of, or in conjunction with, removal actions in an effort to minimize or prevent the release or
threat of release so that hazardous substances will not migrate to cause substantial danger.
REMOVAL ACTION - Includes removal of hazardous substances from a hazardous waste site and other
activities necessary to protect human health and the environment. Removal action includes monitoring,
site evaluation and emergency assistance.
SARA - Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. Amendments to CERCLA which
include Title III. Title III establishes the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, which
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ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
gives the public greater access to information concerning specific hazardous chemicals and establishes
emergency response contacts and reporting requirements at the state and local levels.
SHIPPING DOCUMENT – Under Part 121, a manifest is no longer required for document proper
disposal or recycling of liquid industrial by-product. Since 2016, a shipping document, which may be a
manifest, must be prepared and signed by the generator and transporter in accordance with Part 121.
The receiving facility is not required to sign the shipping document, but they are required to notify the
generator they received the shipment. In addition to the generator and transporter signatures, the
shipping document must include: .1) the name and address of the generator; 2) the name of the
transporter; 3) the type and volume of liquid industrial by-product in the shipment; 4) the date the by-
product was shipped off site from the generator; and 5) the name, address and Site Identification
Number of the designated facility. Like the manifest, a shipping document must accompany the
shipment when it is in transport.
SHIPPING PAPERS - Regulated by the Department of Transportation, must correctly include the proper
shipping name of each hazardous material, the proper hazard class for each (i.e., flammable, corrosive),
the correct identification number for each, and the correct total quantity by weight, volume, or as
otherwise appropriate. After marking, the shipper must properly label each package, overpack, or freight
container containing a hazardous material.
SOLID WASTE – this means garbage, rubbish, ashes, incinerator ash, incinerator residue, street
cleanings, municipal and industrial sludges, solid commercial and solid industrial waste, and animal
waste other than organic waste generated in the production of livestock and poultry.
STORAGE FACILITY - A storage facility is used to hold hazardous waste for a temporary period, after
which time it is treated, stored, or disposed of elsewhere. The waste may be stored either outside or
within a designated structure. However, each storage facility must be equipped with a security system.
TRANSPORTER - Transporter regulations affect the movement of hazardous waste from the place of
generation to the point of treatment, storage, or disposal. Transporters must obtain U. S. EPA
identification numbers and are required to keep a copy of the manifest, or in the event of rail or water
transportation, shipping papers for three years. Shipping papers must include the proper shipping name
of hazardous material, the proper hazardous class for each (i.e., flammable, corrosive), the correct
identification number for each, the correct total quantity by weight, volume, or as otherwise appropriate.
Shippers must also ensure that applicable placarding requirements have been met for the materials
being shipped. A 10-3/4-inch diamond decal must be visibly displayed on each of the four sides of the
exterior of the transport container for the hazardous materials.
TSD FACILITIES - Treatment, storage, and disposal facilities are the last link in the cradle-to-grave
hazardous waste management system.
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ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Environmental Crime Enforcement
While some pollution is an unfortunate consequence of modern industrial life, there are laws that limit the
amount and kinds of pollution that can be emitted, or discharged, into the environment. State and federal
environmental laws set standards for what people and institutions must do to control or prevent pollution.
Enforcement is the governmental response when people or institutions fail to obey the laws. Criminal
enforcement of environmental violations has become increasingly important in recent years, as it has
become apparent that civil and administrative enforcement is not always sufficient to ensure compliance.
Criminal enforcement may be appropriate for several reasons:
THE VIOLATION MAY BE EXTREMELY SERIOUS
Environmental criminal activities often can involve hazardous waste and other extremely toxic chemicals.
Improper handling of pollution often has a detrimental effect on the public. Terminal illness and
genetically transmitted disease can result.
CIVIL ENFORCEMENT ALONE IS NOT A DETERRENT
Civil enforcement generally results in fines for the violation. Unfortunately, companies often consider
such fines a cost of doing business and calculate this into the retail cost. Consequently, the public
indirectly pays for the violations. Criminal enforcement can result in incarceration, an extremely effective
deterrent.
ILLEGAL PROFITS/FINANCIAL INCENTIVE FOR IMPROPER DISPOSAL
Those who generate and/or dispose of pollution often find it profitable to dispose of the pollution illegally.
Additionally, some companies may defraud other legitimate businesses by improperly disposing waste
they have contracted to legally dispose.
THE VIOLATION MAY SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE THE REGULATORY PROGRAM
Environmental regulatory programs rely on companies to submit self-monitoring data and to honestly
comply with other reporting requirements. If a company fails to report, or submits false information to the
regulatory program, the effectiveness of the program is severely impacted.
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ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 21
Environmental Crime Enforcement
ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION SECTION
MISSION:
O
VERVIEW:
The EIS serves as the investigative and law enforcement specialist for the Michigan Departments of
Natural Resources (DNR) and Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This includes
conducting, supervising, and coordinating criminal, civil, and administrative investigations into suspected
violations of Michigan's environmental statutes and cooperating with other divisions, departments, and
agencies. The EIS is comprised of specially trained Conservation Officers who determine appropriate
regulations, initiate legal actions, and represent the department in negotiations for restitution, penalties
and damages. The EIS conducts training to help local law enforcement officers and other enforcement
personnel to dev
elop community partnerships to combat illegal dumping at the local level. The
EIS has two units: Southeastern and Northwestern.
Please see the following map for EIS contact information.
VISION:
EIS strives to be a key component of Michigan's law enforcement mainstream, consistently solving
complex violations of environmental laws, and providing a resource for local communities faced with
environmental conflicts of a criminal nature.
The Environmental Investigation Section (EIS) Mission is to protect the public health and
natural resources in a professional manner, utilizing proactive methods, teamwork and partnerships
delivering prompt, high quality and thorough investigations of suspected violations of environmental laws.
CONTACT INFORMATION
7/2023
Law Enforcement Division
Environmental Investigation Section
1
2
3
4
6
8
9
7
5
4
5
6
7
8
2
1
3
9
LANSING HEADQUARTERS
Chief David Shaw: 517-284-6017
S
ection Supervisor
F/Lt. Vence Woods: 989-705-3449
CADILLAC DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. Holly Pennoni: 231-775-3960
GRAND RAPIDS DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. Dan Lee: 616-356-0029
JACKSON DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. Joe Meyers: 517-780-7483
KALAMAZOO DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. James Zellinger: 269-567-3505
LANSING DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. Daniel Kennedy: 517-284-6640
BAY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. Quincy Gowenlock: 989-894-6239
WARREN DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. Jacob Griffin: 586-753-3704
MARQUETTE DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. Joshua Boudreaux: 906-228-2907
GAYLORD DISTRICT OFFICE
Det. Chris Bowen: 989-705-3452
Southeastern Unit Supervisor
2nd Lt. Erick Thorson: 586-753-3720
Northwestern Unit Supervisor
2nd Lt. Trey Luce: 906-250-9516
P
ollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS)
Jay Eickholt, Emergency Management Coordinator
517-284-6706 | [email protected]
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES HANDBOOK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
Page 23
O
THER CONTACTS
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know (EGLE): 517-284-7272
SARA Title III Program
Phone: (517) 373-8481
Web page: Michigan.gov/EGLEsara (select SARA Title III - Toxic Chemical Release Inventory)
E-mail: deq-ead-[email protected]
U.S. EPA Toxics Release Program
Web page: www.epa.gov/tri
EPCRA Call Center
Phone: 800-424-9346
Web page: www.epa.gov/emergencies/contact_us.htm#InfoCenter
Nat
ional Pesticide Telecommunications: 800-858-7378
(Health effects, environmental effects, spill handling and disposal clean-up, Poison Control Center
Information)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: 800-643-4794
(Pesticides, drinking water, indoor air quality, radon, multiple chemical exposures, industrial emissions,
electromagnetic fields)
Materials for this guide were taken from the following publications:
• New Jersey Office of the State Environmental Prosecutors’ Environmental Offenses course for New Jersey
Police Officers.
• Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association’s Environmental Awareness for Local Law Enforcement
Officers Manual.
• Environmental Investigations – An Introduction for Road Patrol Personnel by James Pearsall, Palm Beach
County Sheriff’s Office.
• US EPA Office of Enforcement’s Environmental Criminal Enforcement – A Law Enforcement Officer’s
Guide.
• National Association of Attorneys General Summaries of Federal and State Environmental Criminal
Enforcement Statues.
• Environmental Crime Enforcement – An Awareness Guide for Alabama Local Law Enforcement Officers.
• New York State Attorney General Environmental Crimes Handbook.
• Illinois Environmental Crimes Handbook.