EPA Settlement Protects Community Health And The Environment From Hazardous Waste Pollution In Petersburg, VA

In a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to resolve alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations, Pre Con, Inc. has agreed to regularly inspect and monitor its hazardous waste storage areas.

By inspecting the storage areas weekly, and through monthly monitoring of equipment that comes in contact with volatiles, the company will prevent accidents that could release pollutants into soil, groundwater, surface water, and air.

Pre Con, Inc. has also agreed to pay a $101,375 penalty to settle the alleged violations at its Petersburg facility which conducts research and development for the production of synthetic fabrics.

EPA cited the company for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid costly cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

Following a September 2012 EPA inspection, and follow-up investigations, EPA cited Pre Con for RCRA violations involving hazardous waste stored at the facility. The alleged violations included failure to mark, inspect and monitor equipment in contact with hazardous waste solvent, failure to prepare an adequate contingency plan, and improper recordkeeping.

The settlement penalty reflects the company's compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA in resolving this matter. As part of the settlement, the company has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.

For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/index.htm.