Auto Crusher Investigated For Alleged Environmental Crime

Bunnell – This morning, Florida Department of Environmental Protection law enforcement officers conducted multiple searches at facilities owned by John G. Kastner of John’s Auto Parts of Bunnell, Inc. The owner of three auto crushing operations is suspected of willful pollution, commercial dumping, and improper storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

Following a four-month investigation, special agents from DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement executed search warrants at John’s Auto Parts of Bunnell, Inc., located at 3621 US 1 South, Bunnell; Putnam Recycling, Inc., located at 1819 Madison Street, Palatka; and Holly Hill Salvage and Junk, located at 408 LPGA Blvd., Holly Hill.

The Florida Environmental Crimes Strike Force, led by DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, began the investigation after Kastner failed to respond to numerous warnings issued by DEP over a six-year period. Kastner’s operations use mobile equipment to crush automobiles as part of a metal recycling business. Agents believe contaminants such as antifreeze, gasoline, motor oil, and other lubricants leaked from vehicles and soaked into the ground during the crushing process. Evidence collected today will reveal the extent of environmental damage.

"These facilities have a long history of environmental violations," said Thomas S. Tramel, III, Director of DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement. "Any evidence of criminal activity will result in felony charges. Deliberate pollution cannot and will not be tolerated."

Felony charges of willful pollution, commercial dumping and unlawful treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste carry sentences of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of $50,000 for each violation at each site.

DEP’s Northeast and Central Districts and the Site Investigation Team, as well as the Holly Hill Police Department, Volusia County Sheriff’s Department, Volusia County Environmental Management, Flagler County Sheiff’s Department, Seminole County Sheriff’s Department, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Highway Patrol and Motor Vehicle Licensing, and the State Attorney’s Office also participated in the investigation.

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