A Dalton business owner has pleaded guilty in federal court to dumping more than 100 drums and other containers of chemicals, including hazardous waste, on property in Rock Spring, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ).

56-year-old Amin Ali pleaded guilty to disposal of hazardous waste without a permit earlier this week.

Prosecutors say Ali owned and controlled Goldstar Investment Group LLC, 7 Days Property Management Inc., and Rock Springs Farming LLC.

He owned a warehouse formerly owned by a chemical company in Dalton, as well as a farming property containing several old chicken houses in Rock Spring.

Prosecutors say in August 2021, Ali moved the drums and containers of hazardous waste to his private Rock Spring property.

The drums were left inside one of the old chicken houses, with some left in an open trench to be buried.

Some of the contents of the drums -- including benzene, lead and chromium -- leaked, and spilled into the surrounding soil.

Later testing revealed the presence of those hazardous chemicals in the soil. And at the time of that testing, the contents of the drums were 'reactive and ignitable,' according to a DoJ release.

“Ali disregarded the health and safety of citizens by trying to conceal his illegal dumping,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “He also broke the law regarding the proper handling of hazardous materials. Our office takes protection of the environment very seriously and will continue to prosecute those who seek to destroy our precious natural resources.”

Ali will find out his sentence in September.

Depend on us to keep you posted.