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Judi Lynn

(160,217 posts)
Tue Aug 15, 2017, 06:23 PM Aug 2017

Fugitive sought for dumping radioactive oilfield waste

Source: Associated Press

Updated 4:00 pm, Tuesday, August 15, 2017


BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Federal officials say a fugitive who escaped custody in Wyoming four years ago is being sought for the illegal dumping of radioactive oilfield waste in North Dakota.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that James Kenneth Ward is considered violent and dangerous and should not be approached.

Ward was indicted in April in U.S. District Court in Montana on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Prosecutors say he was paid by a company to dispose of hundreds of pieces of radioactive oil field waste known as filter socks, which are used to strain the sometimes-radioactive fluids produced during oil and gas exploration.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Fugitive-sought-for-dumping-radioactive-oilfield-11821340.php





https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-07/documents/wanted_poster-ward_0.pdf
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Fugitive sought for dumping radioactive oilfield waste (Original Post) Judi Lynn Aug 2017 OP
We may be looking at our next EPA director. sandensea Aug 2017 #1
What do ya wanna bet not fooled Aug 2017 #2
No way this guy is HAZMAT certified n/t TexasBushwhacker Aug 2017 #3
The company that hired him should also be charged. surrealAmerican Aug 2017 #4
The owners are insulated by multiple layers of subcontractors... hunter Aug 2017 #5

not fooled

(5,791 posts)
2. What do ya wanna bet
Tue Aug 15, 2017, 07:07 PM
Aug 2017

the matter leads back to very wealthy oilfield owners/operators/shareholders.

This guy is probably just the end-game actor in a rigged system starting with ownership by wealthy but unscrupulous operators. Of course he will be the fall guy and go to jail (deservedly) while the backers of the enterprises he worked for escape unscathed.

At a minimum they should have to disgorge the profits they made by not paying for proper disposal. Of course that won't happen.



hunter

(38,264 posts)
5. The owners are insulated by multiple layers of subcontractors...
Tue Aug 15, 2017, 11:02 PM
Aug 2017

... plausible deniability, and useful idiots.

The subcontractor up the next rung of the ladder paid a $20,000 fine (negotiated down from $800,000) and that was that, neat and tidy, thus saving anyone further up the ladder embarrassment.

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