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

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

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 have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Spot and correct 4 of the most common universal waste errors before they result in a notice of violation during a Federal or state inspection.

Download

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.