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

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

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

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

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.