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U.S. EPA, Caltrans settle case over improper hazardous waste storage; Toll bridge maintenance facility fined $12,382

Release Date: 8/3/2005
Contact Information: Lisa Fasano, 415-947-4307

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has fined Caltrans $12,382 for storing hazardous waste without a permit, and other violations of federal hazardous waste regulations at the District 4 Toll Bridge Region in Oakland, Calif.

The violations were discovered by the EPA during a routine inspection in July 2004 at the District 4 Toll Bridge facility at 210 Burma Rd. in Oakland, Calif.

"It’s essential that companies comply with hazardous waste regulations in order to protect people’s health and to prevent environmental damage," said Jeff Scott, director of the EPA's Waste Management Division for the Pacific Southwest region. "All facilities, including maintenance yards, are required to properly manage the hazardous wastes they generate. Caltrans owned up to these violations and is now in full compliance with the law."

Caltrans was cited with:

• Storing hazardous waste without a permit

• Failing to conduct weekly inspections

• Failing to have a proper alarm system in the waste storage area

• Inadequate aisle space separating hazardous waste containers

• Failing to adequately respond to an information request

Caltrans has worked with the EPA to supply the necessary information and to bring the District 4 facility into full compliance.

For more information about the hazardous waste handling regulations part of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act go to: https://www.epa.gov/Region9/waste/rcra/ca/rcrainfo.htm