Paul Ingvoldstad, of Croton, was arraigned in Westchester County Court after he allegedly tried to dispose of unmarked toxic chemicals, which severely injured a New York sanitation worker. He is charged with second-degree endangering the public health, safety, or the environment, which is a felony. He could face up to seven years in prison.
The charges come after Ingvoldstad allegedly left jugs of ammonium hydroxide on the curb near his Old Post Road South home. The containers were not marked as containing hazardous chemicals. As sanitation workers were transferring the jugs into the garbage truck, one of the jugs broke open. Three sanitation workers were affected by the ammonia fumes, and one was unconscious for more than an hour. The worker also suffered symptoms that included vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath. All three workers have now recovered.
Ingvoldstad was arrested in September of 2010 for the environmental charge, reckless endangerment, and third-degree assault. He rejected a plea agreement in December. His next court date is scheduled for August 4th.
The Westchester County workers’ compensation lawyers with Markhoff & Mittman, PC are glad to hear that the affected workers have recovered. We’d like to remind everyone to protect our New York sanitation workers by always properly disposing of hazardous items.
