MI Metals has agreed
to pay a $58,816 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste
regulations at its manufacturing facility in Millersburg, Pa., the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The settlement addresses
compliance with environmental regulations that help protect communities and the
environment from potential exposure to hazardous waste.
EPA cited the
Florida-based company for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of
hazardous waste. RCRA is designed to
protect public health and the environment, and avoid costly cleanups, by
requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous
waste.
Following an
inspection by officials from EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection, EPA cited MI Metals for RCRA violations involving
hazardous waste stored at the facility, including caustic cleaning solution and
waste paint.
The alleged
violations included: failure to keep hazardous waste containers closed during
storage; failure to have a hazardous waste storage tank assessed by a
professional engineer; failure to conduct required daily inspections of
hazardous waste; and inadequate secondary containment to prevent spills. The
company was also cited for failure to properly manage universal waste such as
fluorescent lamps that may contain mercury or other hazardous substances.
The settlement
penalty reflects the company’s compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA
in the resolution of this matter. As part of the settlement, the company has
not admitted liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its
compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.
MORE INFO: Contact: Roy Seneca,
seneca.roy@epa.gov or at 215-814-5567