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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 1996
96-163
CONTACT:
Julie Sellick, Hazardous Waste & Toxics Reduction Program (206) 649-7053
Ron Langley, Public Information, (206) 649-7009
Boeing Responds to Ecology Concerns Over Hazardous Waste Practices
Bellevue, WA -- The state Department of Ecology has issued a penalty and administrative order requiring The Boeing Company to improve hazardous waste handling practices at the Boeing Space Center's wastewater treatment plant in Kent after an Aug. 7 incident during which more than 900 pounds of toxic gasses were released into the air. Ecology also wants Boeing to review hazardous waste practices company-wide because of two other mishaps that led to release of toxic gasses to the air during the past 13 months.
"We believe Boeing has not had adequate control over its hazardous waste treatment system and hasn't adequately trained staff to handle problems in the system before they turn into emergencies," said Ecology director Mary Riveland.
"On the other hand, we're pleased to say that the company has received the message. Company managers told us they're taking a hard look at their hazardous waste procedures and have already started to make improvements," Riveland said.
The Aug. 7 release was caused by an unexpected chemical reaction among acids in the wastewater treatment plant. Company investigators determined that incompatible wastes had been mixed in a treatment tank after a valve failure in the system during the previous day. Two people were sent to a local hospital for precautionary monitoring and 450 employees were temporarily evacuated.
"Immediately after the incident, The Boeing Company conducted an extensive internal investigation and is implementing process and equipment improvements to prevent a recurrence," said Randy Bentley, director of Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs for the Boeing Defense
and Space Group. "We are confident that these improvements will make our operations safer for our employees and the neighboring community."
Ecology fined Boeing $18,000 for the Aug. 7 incident, but has broader concerns because a similar incident occurred about one week earlier at the same facility. Another release of toxic gasses occurred on Nov. 3, 1995, at the Boeing Auburn facility when a strong acid material was transferred into container not designed to handle such waste.
The Ecology order requires Boeing to improve training for its wastewater treatment plant operators, develop procedures that accurately track and control materials in the system, and develop procedures to handle wastes that are not part of their routine operation. Ecology also suggests that Boeing needs to review treatment procedures at all of its facilities to ensure that similar problems do not develop elsewhere.
"We have taken actions to communicate throughout our company the lessons learned from these incidents," Bentley said. "Boeing is committed to responding to Ecology's concerns and to taking the necessary measures to protect the public's health and the environment."
Ecology will monitor Boeing's progress on its wastewater treatment practices through regular inspections and will provide technical assistance if needed.
Editors Note: Randy Bentley, director of Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs for the Boeing Defense & Space Group, can be contacted at (206) 773-0733.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
