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Kent-based trucking company fined over $46,000 for chemical reporting violations

Release Date: 09/27/2011
Contact Information: Wally Moon, EPA Preparedness and Prevention Unit Manager, 206-553-6323, moon.wally@epa.gov Tony Brown, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-1203, brown.anthony@epa.gov

(SEATTLE—Sept. 27, 2011) Quality Carriers, Inc., will pay over $46,000 to settle hazardous chemical reporting violations at its facility in Kent, Washington, according to a consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The company is an off-loading facility that transfers chemicals from rail cars to on-road trucks. According to EPA, in 2009 the company stored large amounts of hydrogen peroxide above threshold planning quantities without properly reporting it to the Kent Fire Department, King County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the State Emergency Response Commission.

“Local emergency planners and responders need this information to do their jobs. Its critical information for them to protect the community and themselves when a dangerous chemical release occurs,” said Wally Moon, Preparedness and Prevention Unit Manager from the EPA Emergency Management Program in Seattle.

Hydrogen peroxide is listed as a toxic and hazardous substance under Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In 2009 the facility stored hydrogen peroxide in an amount over 2,000 times the threshold planning quantity of 500 pounds, which is the threshold for required reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Hydrogen peroxide can pose a serious health hazard when released, most notably respiratory risks.

According to documents, the company failed to file inventory forms for 2008 and 2009, as required by law, with state and local emergency response entities.

For additional information about the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, visit: https://www.epa.gov/osweroe1/content/epcra/
For more about toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide (NIOSH GUIDE): http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0335.html
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