Electroplating Operator Indicted for RCRA Storage Violations

Posted on 5/31/2016 by Roger Marks

The former operator of a now-closed electroplating facility in Cedar Falls, IA has been indicted by a Federal grand jury on one count of unlawful storage of hazardous waste stemming from the discovery of drums of toxic and corrosive waste stored at the facility after it closed.

EPA alleges the facility was a large quantity generator of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)—meaning the facility generated more than 1,000 kg of hazardous waste per month when in operation. After the facility closed in 2011, drums of hazardous waste were not properly moved off site, treated, or disposed of. Even while in operation, EPA says, the facility stored hazardous waste on site without a RCRA permit.

RCRA hazardous waste violations

According to The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, “EPA officials executed a search warrant at the property in February 2012 and found barrels, tanks, and vats, and they noticed a strong acidic odor. Chemicals found included chromium, ferric sulfate, ferric chloride, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid.” Some hazardous waste containers were unlabeled and others were leaking, according to investigators.

Total cleanup costs, according to the government, exceeded $789,000.

Your Annual RCRA Refresher – Live on the Web!

Don’t miss the new RCRA Refresher Webinar on June 7! Meet EPA’s annual training requirements at 40 CFR 262.34(a) and 265.16. Presented live by an expert, full-time hazardous waste instructor, the refresher webinar is designed for experienced industry pros who want a fast, convenient way to train and get up to speed on the latest updates to the RCRA hazardous waste rules. Next session: June 7.

Tags: EPA, fines and penalties, RCRA

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