Hazmat leads to EPA fine
By: Andrea Koskey
Examiner Staff Writer
August 30, 2009
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| Following the rules: A company that produces more than 13 tons of hazardous waste per year is required every two years to report it to the EPA. (AP File Photo) |
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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — Seven California companies, including one in South San Francisco, failed to report 285 tons of hazardous waste, leading to federal fines.
Achaogen Inc., a biotech firm located on Shoreline Court, was among the companies penalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Hazardous waste can include heavy metals, and corrosive and flammable materials, according to EPA specialist Robin Holloway.
Companies that produce more than 13 tons of hazardous waste per year are required every two years to report to the federal agency the amount and type of hazardous waste they are producing.
“It’s useful so we know the kinds and types of waste,” Holloway said. “Then we can look at pollution prevention and create new regulations.”
A company that creates waste, Holloway said, often ships it to an off-site location for appropriate disposal. Such locations are monitored by the state Department of Toxic Substance Control. This department maintains a database of hazardous waste and notifies the EPA of companies with large quantities.
If a company is found to be disposing of this waste, but not reporting it, they are in violation, according to the EPA.
Holloway said companies in violation are fined $2,500 and given 30 days to file the reports. Subsequent fines for not reporting can exceed $10,000, she said.
“It’s a good deal,” Holloway said. “Generally, company’s don’t know [they are in violation] or the report just slips through the cracks.”
Achaogen paid the $2,500 fine and filed the missing report. Officials with the company declined to comment on the matter.
Heath Ceramics in Sausalito was also among companies fined for not reporting.
