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EPA PROPOSES $297,000 FINE AGAINST CONNECTICUT FIRM FOR MISHANDLING HAZARDOUS WASTE

Release Date: 04/20/1999
Contact Information: Amy Miller, EPA Press Office (617-918-1042)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a $296,927 fine against a furniture manufacturer in Riverton, Conn., for improper management of hazardous waste and improper storage of oil.

The action stems from a July 1997 EPA inspection in which inspectors found Hitchcock had stored hazardous waste without a permit for more than 90 days, in violation of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Out of 82 containers of hazardous waste, 72 had been stored without a permit for more than 90 days. At least five 55-gallon drums had been stored for several years. The proposed penalty against the Hitchcock Chair Co. reflects the large number of violations inspectors found at the site.

In addition, inspectors found Hitchcock had failed to label and date hazardous waste, failed to conduct weekly inspections and failed to properly train employees who handle hazardous waste, all in violation of RCRA.

"Violations like those committed by Hitchcock could seriously damage the environment and hurt public health," said John P. DeVillars, EPA's New England Administrator. "These violations could have led to the improper release of hazardous wastes and to injuries to workers who were not properly trained to handle an emergency."

Inspectors found Hitchcock also failed to prepare a required Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan for its 10,0000-gallon above ground oil storage tank, in violation of the Clean Water Act.

In addition to proposing the fine, EPA this month ordered Hitchcock to come into compliance immediately with federal environmental laws.

Hitchcock, located at 13 Riverton Road, manufactures and finishes furniture. Hazardous wastes contained in varnishes, stains and strippers are generated during the finishing as well as the manufacturing process.