News Releases from Region 03

Potomac Electric Power Co. Settles Hazardous Waste Violations at Washington, D.C. Maintenance Facility

PHILADELPHIA (May 8, 2017) Potomac Electric Power Company has agreed to pay a $54,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its maintenance facility in Washington, D.C., 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 Potomac Electric Power 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 long and extensive cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

EPA cited the company for RCRA violations involving hazardous wastes stored at the maintenance facility, including lead-contaminated rags, lead-contaminated transformer flushing oil, mercury-containing lamps, and mineral spirits. The alleged violations included:

• Failure to properly label or date “hazardous waste” containers;
• Failure to keep containers of hazardous waste closed;
• Failure to conduct effective inspections of hazardous waste storage areas;
• Failure to maintain fire protection equipment;
• Failure to maintain an adequate contingency plan.

The settlement reflects the company’s compliance efforts, and cooperation with EPA in the investigation. As part of the settlement, the company has not admitted liability, but has corrected the alleged violations and certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.

For more information about hazardous waste and RCRA, visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/index.htm