2009 FEDERAL SENTENCING GUIDELINES MANUAL

CHAPTER 2 - PART Q - OFFENSES INVOLVING THE ENVIRONMENT

1.      ENVIRONMENT

§2Q1.1.      Knowing Endangerment Resulting From Mishandling Hazardous or Toxic Substances, Pesticides or Other Pollutants

                   (a)       Base Offense Level: 24

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. § 1992(b)(3); 33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(3); 42 U.S.C. § 6928(e).

Application Note:

1.      If death or serious bodily injury resulted, an upward departure may be warranted. See Chapter Five, Part K (Departures).

Background: This section applies to offenses committed with knowledge that the violation placed another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 2007 (see Appendix C, amendment 699).