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EPA Fines Private Jet Company for Failing to Report Hazardous Chemical Storage

Release Date: 7/18/2003
Contact Information: Wendy Chavez, (415) 947-4248

SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined a private Scottsdale jet company $9,986 for storing 10,000 pounds of the hazardous chemical kerosene without notifying the appropriate authorities.

Southwest Jet Aviation failed to file annual reports of its inventory of the chemical -- which is a primary component of jet fuel -- in 2000, 2001 and 2002 to local, state and federal authorities as required under federal emergency planning and right-to-know laws.

The company will pay $2,720 and has agreed to spend an additional $7,266 on emergency response equipment for the Scottsdale Fire Department. The company has voluntarily provided information on reporting requirements to others in its industry to comply with the law.

"Facilities that store hazardous chemicals have a responsibility to provide prompt and accurate information about the risks posed by chemicals they’re storing," said Keith Takata, the EPA’s Superfund division director for the Pacific Southwest. "Without this information, state and local emergency responders cannot be adequately prepared to protect our communities in the event of a chemical release."

Kerosene, classified by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration as a hazardous chemical, can form an explosive mist above 37 degrees celcius if mixed with air. It can be absorbed through the skin and irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

Federal law requires companies to report annually their hazardous chemical inventories by March 1 of each year.

Southwest Jet Aviation operates an aircraft management and charter aircraft service adjacent to the Scottsdale Municipal Airport.