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Department of Ecology News Release - December 4, 2006
06-253
OLYMPIA - Root Paint & Glass, a Hoquiam-based paint contractor, has been fined $22,000 by the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) for failing to properly manage dangerous wastes generated by the business.
State law and regulations outline specific requirements for the appropriate labeling, handling and disposing of dangerous waste.
Over the past 10 years, Ecology staff worked with Root Paint to help the company come into compliance with dangerous waste regulations. Despite Ecology's long-term efforts, Root Paint has continued to store dangerous wastes without appropriate labels, hold waste long past allowed storage times, improperly handle the containers of waste as well as fail to maintain proper records about waste management practices. Failure to properly manage wastes can pose threats to human health and the environment.
"We work with businesses to help them understand and implement safe approaches to managing their dangerous wastes in order to prevent harm to their workers, neighbors and the environment," explained K Seiler, a manager of Ecology's Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program. "When businesses disregard these common-sense regulations, it gives them an unfair economic advantage over competitors who do follow the rules. Hopefully this fine will help Root Paint take its responsibilities more seriously."
Ecology inspected Root Paint on five occasions in 2005. Based on evidence gathered during these visits, Ecology issued an administrative order with specific steps for Root Paint. After receiving the order, the company showed progress in labeling and storing wastes appropriately onsite and in shipping wastes offsite for proper disposal.
However during an August 2006 inspection, Ecology staff observed repeat violations involving onsite waste storage without a permit and failure to label and to properly date the wastes that were accumulating at the business.
The owner of Root Paint has 30 days to apply for relief or appeal the penalty to the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board.
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Contact: Kim Schmanke, public information manager, 360.407.6239 or 360.791.9830
For more information:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/toxics.html or
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/reg_comp_guide/pages/regs_hazwaste.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
