EPA Fines Kawasaki Rail Car for Improper Storage and Handling of Hazardous Waste
Saturday, April 30, 2016
(New York, N.Y. – April 28, 2016) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a legal settlement with Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. (“Kawasaki”) of Yonkers, New York, resolving its alleged violation of federal hazardous waste law. EPA inspections revealed the company had generated hazardous wastes and had stored these wastes without a permit. As part of the agreement, Kawasaki will come into compliance with all federal hazardous waste laws and pay a $71,120 penalty.
“Companies that generate hazardous waste must store and dispose of them properly or obtain the proper permit to ensure these wastes are properly stored,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “When not properly handled, hazardous wastes can pose a danger to employees and those living in the surrounding community.”
An EPA inspection of Kawasaki’s facility at 29 Wells Avenue in Yonkers revealed several dozen containers containing waste paints and solvents, discarded gasoline and unlabeled containers of hazardous wastes. A number of containers of hazardous waste were corroded and leaking.
Federal hazardous waste laws require that hazardous chemicals be stored, handled and disposed of properly to safeguard public health and the environment. Facilities must also have properly trained staff, since improperly stored hazardous waste can spill and pose a risk to people and the environment.
For more information about federal hazardous waste law, visit: http://epa.gov/osw/hazard