Newsroom
All News Releases By Date
PA FLORIDA LAB CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
Release Date: 03/20/98
Contact Information:
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1998
FLORIDA LAB CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
On March 11, VOC Analytical Laboratories (VOC) of Boca Raton, Fla., was charged in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with one count of illegally disposing of five 30-gallon containers of methylene chloride, a listed hazardous waste. In April 1997, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) discovered that VOC was allegedly avoiding hazardous waste disposal costs by improperly disposing of methylene chloride by sending it out as biological waste. FDEP instructed VOC to stop this practice, but a subsequent investigation uncovered that the practice had allegedly continued. Human exposure to methylene chloride can cause liver disease and cancer. If convicted, VOC faces a maximum fine of up to $500,000 and/or up to five years probation. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Marine Patrol and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
R-31 ###
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.
