Laws intended to inform, protect communities and 1st responders during chemical emergencies
(Seattle-March 25, 2014) 5 companies in Washington have agreed to correct errors in reporting hazardous chemicals as required by federal laws designed to protect communities during chemical emergencies. The companies failed to report the storage of hazardous chemicals in violation of the Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act, according to settlements with the E.P.A.. The companies have agreed to correct the violations and pay fines.
"First responders depend on accurate chemical storage information from companies during emergencies," said Kelly McFadden, Manager of the Pesticides and Toxics Unit in the E.P.A. Seattle office. "These laws are designed to protect communities and 1st responders from hazardous chemicals in an emergency."
The hazardous chemicals the companies stored have known environmental and human health impacts.
Thermo Fluids, Incorporated
Thermo Fluids, Incorporated is a Delaware-based company specializing in industrial waste management and used fuel recycling with facilities in Sumner and Spokane. In 2011, the company failed to report in a timely manner its storage of approximately 807,000 pounds of used motor oil, 80,000 pounds of antifreeze, and an additional 178,000 pounds of antifreeze at 2 Sumner facilities; and 742,000 pounds of used motor oil and 99,000 pounds of antifreeze at its Spokane facility.
The company provides recycling services for used motor oil and antifreeze.
The company corrected the reporting violations and paid a $155,400 fine.
TruGreen L.P.
TruGreen L.P. is a Delaware-based company specializing in lawn care with a facility in Puyallup. In 2011, the company failed to report in a timely manner its storage of approximately 188,000 pounds of urea; 188,000 pounds of potassium chloride; 64,000 pounds of ferrous sulfate; 77,000 pounds of ammonium sulfate; and 51,000 pounds of calcium carbonate.
In 2012, the company failed to report in a timely manner its storage of 485,000 pounds of stored hazardous chemicals including ferrous sulfate, urea, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate and potash.
The company uses the chemicals for lawn care services.
The company corrected the reporting violations and paid a $53,300 fine.
CLP Enchanted Village, LLC
CLP Enchanted Village, LLC operates the Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way. In 2010 and 2011, the facility failed to report in a timely manner its storage of approximately 47,000 pounds of sodium hypochlorite and 12,000 pounds of hydrochloric acid.
The company uses the chemicals to clean and maintain pools and water rides.
As part of the settlement, the facility agreed to purchase safety equipment and place it near hazardous chemicals for use in emergencies.
The company corrected the reporting violations and paid a $16,347 fine.
Fleischmann's Vinegar Company, Incorporated
Fleischmann's Vinegar Company, Incorporated owns a Sumner facility that produces vinegar for industrial use. In 2011, the company failed to report in a timely manner its storage of approximately 304,000 pounds of ethyl alcohol; 2,575 pounds of sodium hydroxide; and 2,300 pounds of anhydrous ammonia.
The company uses the chemicals for producing vinegar.
As part of the settlement, the company agreed to construct a secondary containment system that will reduce the risk of a hazardous chemical release into the environment.
The company corrected the reporting violations and paid a $15,600 fine.
Targa Sound Terminal
Targa Sound Terminal is a Delaware-based company with a facility on the Tacoma waterfront. The company provides bulk liquid and petroleum logistic services using trail, marine vessels and trucks to transport products. From 2008 to 2010, the company failed to report in a timely manner its storage of fuel oil averaging 70,000,000 pounds; denatured ethanol averaging 6,000,000 pounds; #2 diesel averaging 6,000,000 pounds; asphalt averaging 3,000,000 pounds; and propane averaging 360,000 pounds.
As part of the settlement, the company agreed to donate safety equipment and hazardous material cleanup kits to Graham Fire and Rescue, Pierce Fire and Rescue, and the Tacoma Fire Department.
The company corrected its reporting violations and paid a $13,435 fine.
For more information on the Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act, visit:
http://www2.epa.gov/epcra-tier-i-and-tier-ii-reporting
