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PA COMPANY CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL DISPOSAL OF HAZ. WASTES IN PA

Release Date: 08/30/96
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PA COMPANY CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL DISPOSAL OF HAZ. WASTES IN PA

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1996

COMPANY CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTES IN PENNSYLVANIA

On Aug. 27, Keystone Helicopter Corp. of West Chester, Pa., was named in a one count information alleging the disposal of tetrachlorethylene and trichlorethylene without a permit. Tetrachlorethylene and trichlorethylene are ignitable chemicals and are classified as hazardous wastes by EPA. These chemicals were used as solvents to clean, degrease and strip engine parts in the engine cleaning room at Keystone's helicopter repair facility in West Chester. The charges allege that used solvents were dumped into a pit in the engine cleaning room floor. The pit was fitted with a drain pipe that led to a buried septic tank located outside of the repair building. The septic tank was designed to leach its chemical waste contents into the ground, creating a potential risk of ignition and ground water contamination. Keystone Helicopter Corp. did not have a state or federal permit to treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste at its West Chester facility or anywhere else. The case was investigated by EPA's Criminal Investigation Division.

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