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EPA and Sherwin-Williams Company Settle Case Alleging Hazardous Waste Violations at Baltimore Facility

Release Date: 10/06/2011
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (October 6, 2011) -- Sherwin Williams Company has agreed to pay a $570,000 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its paint manufacturing facility located at 2325 Hollins Ferry Road in Baltimore, Md., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

EPA cited Sherwin Williams for violating 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.

Following a June 2009 inspection by EPA and follow-up investigations, EPA cited Sherwin Williams for RCRA violations involving hazardous waste stored at the facility, including waste paint, waste resin, and used aerosol cans.

EPA alleged the following violations: storage of 55-gallon drums of waste paint for greater than 90 days; failure to date and properly label hazardous waste containers; failure to properly close and prevent hazardous waste containers from leaking; failure to comply with certain inspection requirements for hazardous waste containers; and failure to immediately respond to a release at the facility.

The $570,000 settlement penalty reflects the company’s compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA in the investigation and resolution of this matter. As part of the settlement, Sherwin Williams 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, go to: https://www.epa.gov/wastes/hazard/