Kawasaki Rail Car Inc., in Yonkers, New York, recently settled with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over violations of federal hazardous waste laws, specifically the companies storage of hazardous waste without a permit.
EPA inspectors at the company’s Yonkers facility found dozens of containers with hazardous waste, including waste paints and solvent and discarded gasoline, as well as unlabelled containers. Some of these were leaking due to corrosion from the materials they contained.
These findings were in violation of hazardous waste laws, which require all hazardous chemicals to be stored, handled and disposed of in a manner that preserves public and environmental health. The laws also require facilities with hazardous waste to employ properly trained staff.
“Companies that generate hazardous waste must store and dispose of them properly or obtain the proper permit to ensure these wastes are properly stored,” EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck said. “When not properly handled, hazardous wastes can pose a danger to employees and those living in the surrounding community.”
Per the terms of the settlement, Kawasaki has agreed to bring its operations into compliance with all federal hazardous waste laws, and the company will pay a fine of $71,120.
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