Ellwood Quality Steels Settles Hazardous Waste Violations at New Castle Facility
03/09/2012 - Ellwood Quality Steels has agreed to pay a $150,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its manufacturing facility in New Castle, Pa.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Ellwood Quality Steels Co. has agreed to pay a $150,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its manufacturing facility in New Castle, Pa.
EPA cited the company for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) following a September 28, 2010 inspection as well as follow-up investigations by EPA. Violations involved a variety of hazardous wastes including electric and ladle arc furnace dust, which was contained in two tractor trailers without being marked as hazardous waste; and improper disposal of mercury-containing universal waste lamps in its arc furnace without a hazardous waste permit.
EPA cited the company for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) following a September 28, 2010 inspection as well as follow-up investigations by EPA. Violations involved a variety of hazardous wastes including electric and ladle arc furnace dust, which was contained in two tractor trailers without being marked as hazardous waste; and improper disposal of mercury-containing universal waste lamps in its arc furnace without a hazardous waste permit.
The company also stored hazardous waste for more than 90 days without a storage permit; failed to keep hazardous waste containers closed; failed to minimize the possibility of releases of hazardous wastes; failed to conduct weekly inspections; failed to provide hazardous waste training; failed to prepare and maintain hazardous training records; failed to properly fill out hazardous waste manifests; and failed to comply with universal waste labeling/marking requirements.
RCRA, which governs the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid costly cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
EPA noted that Ellwood Quality Steels’ settlement penalty reflects the company's cooperation in the investigation and resolution of this matter. As part of the settlement, Ellwood Quality Steels has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.
RCRA, which governs the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid costly cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
EPA noted that Ellwood Quality Steels’ settlement penalty reflects the company's cooperation in the investigation and resolution of this matter. As part of the settlement, Ellwood Quality Steels has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.
