Focused RCRA Inspections and Enforcement in Sothern CA

U.S. EPA is pursuing enforcement against nine southern California metal finishing companies for violations of federal hazardous waste laws. As a result of these enforcement actions, all nine companies returned to compliance with federal law and paid fines ranging from $2,000 to $48,500. One company also agreed to attend Compliance School in which employees are trained in appropriate on-site hazardous waste management techniques.

Metal finishers typically generate hazardous wastes like: acids and sludges that contain heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, and lead; spent plating solutions containing metals or cyanides; flammable liquids; and, both alkaline and acidic corrosive liquids.

During 2010, EPA targeted the metal finishing industry for inspections in in Los Angeles, Rosemead, Sun Valley, Compton, Van Nuys, South El Monte and Santa Clara, California. The significant violations found during the inspections included:

• Failing to maintain the facility to minimize the possibility of a release of hazardous waste to air, soil, or surface water
• Failing to label containers of hazardous waste
• Failing to properly characterize wastes,
• Failing to close containers of hazardous waste,
• Failing to prepare or meet the requirements of a contingency plan,
• Failing to provide proper training,
• Failing to inspect hazardous waste storage areas, Storage of hazardous waste for over 90 days without a permit
  

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in California to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website