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U.S. EPA fines Van Nuys plating firm $15, 940 for hazardous waste violations

Release Date: 8/12/2005
Contact Information: Francisco Arcaute, (213) 244-1815, Cell: (213) 798-1404, Main press line: (415) 947-8700

LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined a Van Nuys, Calif. metal polishing and electroplating firm $15,940 for violating federal hazardous waste laws.

In addition to the penalty, Van Nuys Plating at 14611 Bessemer Street has agreed to submit timely and accurate reports over the next two years that document its continued compliance.

"Improper hazardous waste management puts the surrounding community at risk," said Jeff Scott, Waste Management Division Director for the EPA's San Francisco office. "When dealing with hazardous waste, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

While conducting a routine hazardous waste inspection of Van Nuys Plating facility at 14611 Bessemer Street in September, EPA investigators discovered multiple hazardous waste violations,including:

wooden boxes and a 20-yard roll-off bin containing electroplating wastewater treatment sludge which were not properly labeled;
the eyewash/shower did not operate when inspected;
there was no alarm or emergency communication device in the waste storage area at the firm.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act protects communities from the hazards of waste disposal; helps conserve energy and natural resources by recycling and recovery; and seeks to reduce or eliminate waste and cleanup of waste that may have been improperly disposed.

For more information on Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, visit:
https://www.epa.gov/osw/mission.htm