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EPA cites Minnesota Metal Finishing for hazardous waste violations; proposes $300,000 penalty

Release Date: 08/31/2005
Contact Information:

CONTACT: Kären Thompson, (312) 353-8547

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA168

CHICAGO (Aug. 31, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint and compliance order against Minnesota Metal Finishing Inc. of Minneapolis for violations of the state of Minnesota's hazardous waste regulations. A $300,000 penalty is proposed.

The complaint, filed under the authority of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, cites violations including personnel training and record-keeping; contingency planning, preparedness and prevention; and operating without a hazardous waste permit.

EPA investigators found the violations in May 2001 at the Minnesota Metal Finishing facility at 909 Winter St. N.E. Subsequent inspections by the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services in June 2001, November 2002, April 2004 and April 2005 also revealed the violations.

Under RCRA, EPA controls hazardous waste from its production to final disposal. The company may request a hearing, a settlement conference or both.