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EPA SETTLES ENFORCEMENT CASE WITH POWER PLANT OPERATOR IN JOHNSTON, R.I.

Release Date: 07/01/1999
Contact Information: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office (617-918-1008)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled an enforcement case with a Rhode Island power plant operator, with the company agreeing to pay an $86,876 penalty and take numerous actions to improve its handling and storage of hazardous waste materials.

The consent agreement between EPA and Ridgewood Providence Power Partners stems from a complaint EPA issued last year regarding environmental violations at the company's power plant in Johnston, R.I.

The violations included the failure to have a hazardous waste training plan in place, failure to make proper waste determinations for hazardous waste shipped off-site, failure to train employees, failure to have a hazardous waste contingency plan for hazardous waste emergencies and failure to prepare an oil spill prevention plan.

The infractions were detected during an inspection of the facility, which was targeted by EPA's Urban Team due to its proximity to Providence. The facility produces power from the combustion of landfill gas from the nearby Central Landfill.

"With this settlement, we are glad that Ridgewood can continue the valuable business of recovering landfill gas for power generation while ensuring that programs and procedures are in place to handle hazardous wastes safely and prevent oil spills," said John P. DeVillars, EPA's New England Administrator.

In addition to paying the penalty, the consent agreement requires the plant owner to certify that the facility has come into compliance with all of the violations.