Newsroom
All News Releases By Date
PA FLORIDA LAB PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
Release Date: 09/11/98
Contact Information:
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1998
FLORIDA LAB PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
VOC Analytical Laboratories of Boca Raton, Fla., pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Ft. Lauderdale, to one count of illegally disposing of methylene chloride, a listed hazardous waste. In April 1997, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) discovered that VOC was avoiding hazardous waste disposal costs by improperly disposing of methylene chloride by sending it out as biological waste. FDEP instructed VOC to stop this practice, but a subsequent investigation uncovered that the practice had continued. Human exposure to methylene chloride can cause liver disease and cancer. When sentenced, VOC faces a maximum fine of up to $500,000 and/or up to five years probation. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Marine Patrol and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
R-118 ###
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.
