Search

CEO Faces $250K Fine, 5 Years in Jail for Illegal Hazardous Waste Storage

Posted on 7/29/2015 by Roger Marks

The CEO of a chemical company that stored drums of corrosive and ignitable hazardous waste in a Camden, NJ facility basement will face criminal charges and a $250,000 criminal penalty for illegal waste storage under Federal hazardous waste law. According to the indictment from the US District Court of New Jersey, from December 2003 through August 2011, Concord Chemical stored hazardous waste drums without a permit from US EPA or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). In 2004 and 2005, company employees began removing drums from the Camden, NJ basement, but never finished the job due to the CEO’s assertion that the company could not afford to remove additional drums.

RCRA Site Inspection and EPA Enforcement

EPA discovered the drums of corrosive and ignitable waste during a site visit in 2010, when they found the deteriorated Camden site abandoned and devoid of employees. EPA removed the drums between October 2010 and March 2011. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), US EPA is authorized to remove hazardous waste from industrial sites and hold potentially responsible parties financially liable.

In September 2011, EPA contacted the CEO, who gave false statements, including failure to identify himself as an officer of Concord Chemical and a related entity.


US Hazardous Waste Laws and Regulations

To store and manage hazardous waste, businesses in the US must comply with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), enacted in 1976. RCRA prohibits the treatment, storage, or disposal of regulated hazardous wastes without a permit issued by US EPA or an authorized state.

In addition to management standards for hazardous waste, RCRA sets forth a training requirement for hazardous waste personnel. For personnel who can affect RCRA compliance in a facility that generates hazardous waste, training is required annually.

Interactive RCRA Hazardous Waste Training

By understanding your responsibilities for managing hazardous waste at your site, you can help your business avoid civil penalties for waste management mistakes and future liability under CERCLA. Led by an expert Lion RCRA instructor, the Hazardous/Toxic Waste Management Workshop is presented in cities nationwide. Whether you’re new to hazardous waste management, want an update on the latest rules, or need to meet your annual RCRA training mandate, this two-day workshop is “the standard” in RCRA compliance training. Find a workshop near you now.

Tags: EPA, hazardous waste, RCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.