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EPA PROPOSES FINE AGAINST WINDHAM, NH, WASTE TRANSPORTER FOR VIOLATING PCB REGULATIONS

Release Date: 01/03/2000
Contact Information: Amy Miller, EPA Press Office (617-918-1042)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a $38,500 penalty against a Windham, NH, company that transports hazardous waste for violating federal laws regulating the storage of PCBs.

According to a complaint filed this week, Dependable Environmental Services failed to obtain a permit for storing PCBs, as required by the Toxic Substance Control Act. The complaint also alleges that Dependable kept PCB wastes on site for more than a year, in violation of the federal law.

PCB wastes with concentrations of more than 50 parts per million must be shipped off site within a year after determining waste contains PCBs. Laboratory tests showed waste oil tanks at Dependable had PCBs at concentrations of 900 and 1400 ppm.

The action stems from a February 1997 inspection of the Dependable facility by the N.H. Department of Environment Services (DES). EPA sent a letter in May of 1997 explaining the law, and in November of 1998, a DES follow-up inspection found the company continued to store the PCB waste.

"Because PCBs are dangerous, toxic substances, the law requires careful storage and disposal," said John P. DeVillars, EPA's New England Administrator. "Dependable ignored this law and acted irresponsibly. The company will now have to pay the price, and clean up its act. This should serve as a warning to other companies handling PCB wastes."

EPA regulates PCBs as "hazardous chemical substances" under the Toxic Substance Control Act because PCBs are known carcinogens.

In addition to fining the company, EPA will require Dependable to properly dispose of the PCB contaminated waste oil.