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Department of Ecology News Release - October 29, 2002
02-201
SPOKANE - After seeing several violations of dangerous-waste rules go uncorrected for many years, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has fined the state Department of Corrections (DOC) $54,000 for violations at the penitentiary in Walla Walla.
Ecology fined the penitentiary because it failed to properly manage its dangerous wastes, such as paints, used oil, anti-freeze, dental wastes and solvents. According to inspection reports, the waste was not clearly and correctly labeled, some of it was being illegally stored, and by law some should have been removed from the facility for proper disposal.
In addition, the prison failed to conduct proper inspections of its dangerous waste, and the penitentiary staff had not been properly trained to handle dangerous waste.
"We worked for several years with the penitentiary to help the management understand and comply with the rules," said Greg Sorlie who manages the state's hazardous-waste program. "We need the Department of Corrections to take these matters very seriously and bring them way up on the priority list."
Along with the $54,000 penalty, DOC was ordered to take immediate steps to remedy the violations. For example, all containers must be properly labeled immediately, inspections must be scheduled, and hazardous waste must be sent to proper treatment, storage or disposal facilities.
"The Department of Corrections and the penitentiary take the Department of Ecology report and findings very seriously," said prison Superintendent Richard Morgan. "Compliance is a foremost priority for us. We will be working closely with Ecology and staff from [the Department of] Corrections to meet environmental regulations and correct deficiencies."
DOC may appeal the fine by filing an "application for relief" with Ecology within 15 days and by filing an appeal with the state's Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.
Contact: Jani Gilbert, public information, 509-456-4464; pager, 509-622-1289Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
