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U.S. EPA Fines Biosearch Technologies of Novato, Calif. for Hazardous Waste Violations

Release Date: 09/19/2012
Contact Information: Michael Ardito, 415-972-3081, ardito.michael@epa.gov

Biotech company invests over $140,000 to improve operations

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has fined Biosearch Technologies $31,500 for improper management of hazardous waste at its Novato, Calif. facility.

Biosearch Technologies is a large quantity generator of hazardous waste in an industrial area of the city located in Marin County. The company designs and manufactures products, such as DNA sequencing kits, for the discovery of genetic information for medical and research uses.

As a result of an unannounced EPA inspection in February 2011, the company revamped its environmental management operations to ensure compliance with the law and improve facility efficiency. Biosearch went beyond the requirements of EPA’s enforcement actions to voluntarily invest over $140,000 to improve their operations. Biosearch conducted an independent audit, hired an environmental management specialist, and purchased new equipment as part of their improved operations.

The violations revealed by the EPA inspection include failure to manage hazardous waste in a closed container in good condition, and failure to comply with hazwaste training requirements for employees. The facility also did not meet requirements for contingency plans for accidents and emergencies.