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Hydranautics fined for not following hazardous waste requirements that protect employees, community San Diego County firm to pay over $10,000

Release Date: 09/30/2008
Contact Information: Margot Perez-Sullivan, (415) 947-4149, perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov

(09/30/08) LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined Vista, Calif.-based Hydranautics $10,509 for violating hazardous waste requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

During summer 2007 inspections, EPA investigators found that Hydranautics, an industrial membrane production facility, had numerous hazardous waste violations, including:
• storage of hazardous waste without a permit;
• failure to comply with the requirements of a hazardous waste contingency plan;
• failure to maintain records documenting training;
• failure to meet universal waste requirements; and,
• failure to provide appropriate aisle space required for storing hazardous waste.

Hydranautics has since rectified the violations.

“Hazardous waste generating companies such as Hydranautics must follow federal regulations to protect their employees, surrounding communities and the environment,” said Jeff Scott, director of the Waste Management Division for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “Proper storage, handling, and preparation for emergencies involving hazardous waste are critical responsibilities for all firms, regardless of their size.”

The EPA's hazardous waste rules require facilities to properly store, label and seal hazardous waste containers. Facilities must also have properly trained staff, as improperly stored hazardous waste can potentially spill and pose a risk to workers and the environment.

For more information on U.S. EPA’s hazardous waste program visit: https://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/hazwaste.htm.

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