Managers of five US companies face fines upto $ 3.75 million each and imprisonment upto 75 years for shipping toxic waste to Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan in violation of US waste exports law.
Three companies from southern USA -- Gaston Copper Recycling Corp, Stoller Chemical Co and Hy-Tex Marketing -- exported in all about 1.4 tonnes of cadimum- and lead-contaminated dust mixed with fertiliser, without informing the US Environmental Protection Agency. The US justice department indicted all three companies as well as Southwire Corp, Gaston Copper's parent company. The corporations themselves face fines upto $ 500,000. The fifth company is Shankman Laboratories, headed by Tariq Ahmad of California.
The shipment sent to Australia has been impounded, but Bangladesh has been left holding the baby, as it does not have an impoundment law against imported wastes.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.