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EPA Cites River Shannon Recycling for Hazardous Waste Violations; Proposes $743,293 Penalty

Release Date: 05/06/2010
Contact Information: Kären Thompson, 312-353-8547, thompson.karen@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 10-OPA49

CHICAGO (May 6, 2010) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint and compliance order against Mercury Vapor Processing Technologies Inc., also known as River Shannon Recycling, for alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its Riverdale, Ill.,facility. A $743,293 penalty is proposed.

Following an EPA inspection at the River Shannon facility, 13605 Halsted St., the company was cited for violating Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requirements for managing hazardous waste. River Shannon failed to have a permit for hazardous waste treatment and storage. The company treated large quantities of waste lamps including spent fluorescent tubes. Often, these waste lamps contain mercury and are regulated as hazardous waste.

EPA has ordered River Shannon to immediately stop transporting, treating and storing hazardous waste at its facility unless it fully complies with RCRA requirements, and to conduct RCRA closure activities at the Riverdale facility. River Shannon may request a hearing or settlement conference.
Under RCRA, EPA controls hazardous waste from production to final disposal.


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