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EPA Settlement Protects Community Health and the Environment from Hazardous Waste Pollution in Baltimore

Release Date: 07/10/2014
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (July 10, 2014) – In a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations, Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. has agreed to fully comply with hazardous waste regulations that will help protect community health and the environment in Baltimore, Md., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

The company operates a manufacturing plant located at 3100 Falls Cliff Rd., Baltimore, Md., and has agreed to pay a $39,400 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations. Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. manufactures epoxy-based products, grout and cement products, and fiberglass molds.

EPA cited the company for alleged violations of 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 costly cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste. By complying with regulatory requirements for managing hazardous waste, the company will significantly reduce the possibility of accidents that could contaminate soil and groundwater.

Following an inspection in April 2012, EPA alleged RCRA violations involving containers of hazardous waste containing spent acetone, and spent dibasic ester. The alleged violations included failure to make hazardous waste determinations, failure to keep hazardous waste containers closed, failure to label and date hazardous waste containers, and failure to provide proper EPA identification numbers on hazardous waste manifests.

The settlement penalty reflects the company’s compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA in the resolution of this matter. As part of the settlement, the company has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.

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