Enviro manager gets year in clink – firm fined $25M!

4pFhs94ZcYYY1VQEMwuAaeXETcx37uXI-e1567025737852

How could things have gotten so bad at Tonawanda Coke Corp., NY, that the company would release benzene fumes and haphazardly dump coal tar sludge?

Former environmental control manager Mark Kamholz couldn’t explain why – all he could do was apologize before hearing his sentence: a year in jail and $20,000 fine for Clean Air Act and hazardous waste violations, as well as obstructing a criminal investigation.

His reputation may never recover. At trial, residents called Kamholz a “health terrorist.”

Tonawanda will pay a $12.5 million fine and $12.2 million toward community service projects, including an air and soil sampling project.

Wanna keep up on EPA’s requirements under RCRA, CERCLA/SARA and others? Click here to purchase our Hazardous Waste Management Specialist Course and receive 25% off. This course meet your annual RCRA training requirements for LQGs.

Purchase NASP’s Certified Safety Manager Course

Related Posts

What are your safety goals in 2026?

What are your safety goals in 2026?

03.05.2026 Safety Culture
As we look ahead to 2026, safety leaders across the country are setting priorities that will shape the year to…
Read More
From Deregulation to DIY Safety

From Deregulation to DIY Safety

03.05.2026 Current Events
Why Smart Safety Leaders Are Investing in Training Now The past five years have reshaped the U.S. workplace safety landscape…
Read More
Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Hidden Workplace Fire Risk (and What to Do About It)

Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Hidden Workplace Fire Risk (and What to Do About It)

03.05.2026 Compliance
Lithium-ion batteries quietly power more of your workplace than ever—cordless tools, radios, laptops, cleaning equipment, e-bikes and scooters, material-handling equipment,…
Read More
cta1-img

See our available Live and online cOURSES