SeaCast, Inc., a metal casting facility in Marysville, Washington, has agreed to pay The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a penalty of $18,000 to settle alleged hazardous waste violations at the company, which is located within the boundaries of the Tulalip Indian reservation.As part of the EPA settlement, SeaCast will invest at least $230,000 to install and operate a production process “water blast” system that is expected to reduce in the amount of hazardous waste generated at the facility by 40 percent. SeaCast also agreed to implement procedures to prevent future violations of hazardous waste management requirements.
According to Scott Downey, manager of EPA’s hazardous waste inspection unit in Seattle, strict compliance with federal hazardous waste storage and management requirements protects people and the environment.
“SeaCast has found a way to modify its production process and reduce its reliance on caustic cleaning solutions as a part of this settlement,” said Downey. “One of the central goals of the EPA’s hazardous waste program is to conserve resources and minimize the generation of hazardous wastes, so this project fits nicely.”
EPA alleged that SeaCast:
- Failed to maintain records of its hazardous waste determinations.
- Stored hazardous wastes at the facility without obtaining a permit or complying with conditions applicable to hazardous waste generators.
- Stored hazardous waste on site for longer than 90 days, failed to maintain adequate aisle space between containers of hazardous waste and failed to conduct required weekly inspections of hazardous waste storage areas. The company also failed to properly manage its universal waste lamps.
Published in the October 2014 Edition of American Recycler News
