The Bullet:
US EPA announced the conclusions of enforcement actions against two hazardous waste generators in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Fines paid by the two facilities total $75,200. Read the US EPA press release: U.S. EPA settles with two San Joaquin Valley companies to ensure safe handling of hazardous waste
Who:
WCR, Inc., a heat exchanger refurbishing facility.
B.C. Laboratories, Inc., a company that provides environmental testing services for commercial and government clients.
US Environmental Protection Agency – Region 9. Media Contact: Nahal Mogharabi, 213-244-1815, mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov
What:
Alleged violations of WCR, Inc.:
- Failure to properly label and close hazardous waste containers.
- Failure to maintain a hazardous waste container in good condition, leading to minor leaks.
- Failure to minimize the possibility of unplanned releases by storing the leaking container in an outdoor, uncovered area.
- Failure to conduct required weekly inspections.
WCR has agreed to pay $34,600 to resolve these violations.
Alleged violations of B.C. Laboratories:
- Failure to properly label and close hazardous waste containers.
- Failure to provide adequate aisle space to allow unobstructed access by personnel and inspectors.
- Failure to submit a biennial hazardous waste report.
- Not following proper practices, posing a greater risk of hazardous waste releases into the environment.
B.C. Laboratories has agreed to pay $40,600 to resolve these violations.
Where:
WCR, Inc. is located in Fresno, CA
B.C. Laboratories, Inc. is located in Bakersfield, CA.
When:
WCR, Inc. was inspected by US EPA in March 2013.
B.C. Laboratories, Inc. was inspected by EPA in November 2012.
News release dated June 26, 2014
Why:
“Facilities that deal with hazardous waste are responsible for its safe storage and handling,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “It’s vital to protect employees and nearby communities from the risks of accidental leaks and releases of harmful waste products.”
How:
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) authorizes EPA to oversee the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Under RCRA, hazardous waste must be stored, handled and disposed of using measures that safeguard public health and the environment.
Conclusion:
In this situation the US EPA brought this enforcement action against the two California businesses and not the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA). Whatever the enforcement agency (State or Federal), the RCRA regulations will be enforced. I can provide the training you need to comply with both State (California’s hazardous waste regulations are more strict and more broad than those of the US EPA) and Federal regulations.
Contact me for a free training consultation.
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Daniels Training Services 815.821.1550 |
For more information on the Region’s 2011-2014 Strategic Plan for the San Joaquin Valley, please visit: www.epa.gov/region9/strategicplan/sanjoaquin.html