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Newburyport, Mass. Chemical Manufacturer Faces Fine for Violating Hazardous Waste Law

Release Date: 10/23/2006
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. – Oct. 23, 2006) – Polycarbon Industries, Inc., of Newburyport, Mass. (also known as PCI Synthesis), is facing fines stemming from a recent EPA complaint outlining alleged violations by the company of numerous requirements of federal and state hazardous waste laws.

The most significant violations involve PCI’s failure to conduct personnel training, failure to comply with tank and air emission standards, and failure to separate incompatible wastes. Not conducting hazardous waste training for personnel made it more likely that wastes would be mismanaged. Failing to ensure compliance with tank and air emission standards resulted in potentially hazardous air emissions.

Further, the secondary containment system employed by the company for their storage tanks was breached, creating the possibility that a spill of hazardous waste from one of the tanks could have been released to the environment. PCI’s storage of incompatible hazardous wastes could have resulted in a fire or explosion at the facility.

“Failing to follow hazardous waste requirements can have significant effects on the environment,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “These requirements are designed to protect public health and the environment, and hazardous waste handlers have a responsibility to adhere to these safety precautions.”

Under the EPA complaint, PCI could be required to pay up to $472,975 for the violations of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA conducted an inspection of the Newburyport facility in May, 2006, where 12 apparent violations were identified.

PCI manufactures chemicals for the pharmaceutical industry. As a result of its manufacturing operations, the firm is a large quantity generator of hazardous wastes, including solvents.

More information: EPA’s hazardous waste requirements [epa.gov/region1/enforcement/waste/index.html ]

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