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EPA fines El Cajon company $11,900 for hazardous waste violations

Release Date: 12/13/2006
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, higuchi.dean@epa.gov

(12/13/06) SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently settled with GKN Aerospace Chem-tronics Inc., located in El Cajon, Calif., for $11,900 over hazardous waste storage violations.

During a routine inspection, EPA investigators found the company was improperly storing ignitable hazardous waste and had 19 open containers of hazardous waste, both violations of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

“The improper storage of ignitable hazardous waste is a serious violation with potentially dire consequences,” said Jeff Scott, the EPA’s director for the waste management programs in the Pacific Southwest region. “We are pleased the company has corrected its violations. All companies generating hazardous waste must follow the rules to protect their employees, the public and the environment.”

GKN Aerospace located at 1150 West Bradley Avenue, is a large quantity generator of hazardous waste that includes spent solvents and sludge from its wastewater treatment system. The company produces aluminum, stainless steel and titanium parts for rockets and jets by using an acid solution containing hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids.

The company also failed to:

* store hazardous waste with proper labels; and
* keep required records showing the amount of hazardous waste produced.

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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