DTSC Fines Commercial Landlord & Tenants $124K for Illegal Haz Waste Disposal
Last month, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) reached a settlement with a property management company and its auto body and repair tenants for allegedly mishandling hazardous waste at over a dozen properties in the greater Sacramento area.
DTSC’s Office of Criminal Investigations discovered that Meinco Properties’ tenants allegedly stored, transported, and disposed of over 30,000 lbs. of hazardous waste illegally as part of their auto repair and auto painting operations.
The waste generated by the tenants was a mix of regulated hazardous and universal wastes, including hybrid battery cells, non-empty aerosol cans, solvents, paint waste, used oil, e-waste, and automotive fluids.
On one occasion, State officials intercepted over 5,200 lbs. of waste that was picked up from one of the properties by a contracted disposal company not authorized to handle or transport hazardous waste. DTSC determined the load contained hazardous waste and was illegally disposed.
As part of the settlement, Meinco Properties agreed to pay $30,000 in civil penalties plus $94,100 to offset State and local investigation costs. The property management company was also ordered to consult with an environmental compliance specialist to verify that its tenants are compliant with hazardous waste laws and the applicable County of Sacramento ordinances.
The courts also ordered the tenants to maintain secure waste receptacles and agree to future hazardous waste inspections by any governing body, including DTSC and any California Unified Program Agency (CUPA).
Although the property management company is responsible for all penalties, Meinco Properties may require its tenants to pay the penalties, legal fees, and/or any other monetary costs incurred due to the tenants’ missteps.
Meet EPA and Cal DTSC annual training mandates for hazardous waste personnel. Plus, stay up to date on the latest updates to California’s Title 22 hazardous waste regulations and the State Health and Safety Code.
In Spring 2020, the workshop comes to San Diego, Ontario, San Jose, and Sacramento.
Can't join us for instructor-led training? Train online with reliable, easy-to-use online courses that cover what you must know to properly identify, store, and dispose of your site's hazardous waste.
California Hazardous Waste Management
California Hazardous Waste Management Refresher
DTSC’s Office of Criminal Investigations discovered that Meinco Properties’ tenants allegedly stored, transported, and disposed of over 30,000 lbs. of hazardous waste illegally as part of their auto repair and auto painting operations.
The waste generated by the tenants was a mix of regulated hazardous and universal wastes, including hybrid battery cells, non-empty aerosol cans, solvents, paint waste, used oil, e-waste, and automotive fluids.
On one occasion, State officials intercepted over 5,200 lbs. of waste that was picked up from one of the properties by a contracted disposal company not authorized to handle or transport hazardous waste. DTSC determined the load contained hazardous waste and was illegally disposed.
As part of the settlement, Meinco Properties agreed to pay $30,000 in civil penalties plus $94,100 to offset State and local investigation costs. The property management company was also ordered to consult with an environmental compliance specialist to verify that its tenants are compliant with hazardous waste laws and the applicable County of Sacramento ordinances.
The courts also ordered the tenants to maintain secure waste receptacles and agree to future hazardous waste inspections by any governing body, including DTSC and any California Unified Program Agency (CUPA).
Although the property management company is responsible for all penalties, Meinco Properties may require its tenants to pay the penalties, legal fees, and/or any other monetary costs incurred due to the tenants’ missteps.
Title 22/RCRA Hazardous Waste Training
For training to ensure compliance with California’s complex, unique hazardous waste laws and regulations, join Lion for the California Hazardous Waste Management Workshop in January.Meet EPA and Cal DTSC annual training mandates for hazardous waste personnel. Plus, stay up to date on the latest updates to California’s Title 22 hazardous waste regulations and the State Health and Safety Code.
| Los Angeles | January 6–7 |
| Santa Barbara | January 9–10 |
| Fresno | January 13–14 |
| San Francisco | January 16–17 |
In Spring 2020, the workshop comes to San Diego, Ontario, San Jose, and Sacramento.
Can't join us for instructor-led training? Train online with reliable, easy-to-use online courses that cover what you must know to properly identify, store, and dispose of your site's hazardous waste.
California Hazardous Waste Management
California Hazardous Waste Management Refresher
Tags: auto body, auto repair, California, commercial, DTSC, enforcement, environmental, fines, haz waste, hazardous waste, liability, penalties
Find a Post
Recent Posts
Compliance Archives
Download Our Latest Whitepaper
A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.
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.