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Hoku Scientific will pay $14K for hazardous waste violations

Release Date: 07/11/2006
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, [email protected]

(07/11/06) HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a settlement that requires Hoku Scientific to pay a fine of $14,200 as a result of hazardous waste violations at its former facility on Oahu.  
   
In November 2004, EPA inspectors found the facility did not have a hazardous waste identification number, failed to properly label two 55-gallon drums in a waste storage area, and had not posted emergency contact information in the area where the waste was stored. The company has since moved to a new facility.

“Every facility that creates hazardous waste is required to have an EPA ID number to help ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste,” said Jeff Scott, the EPA’s director for the waste management programs in the Pacific Southwest region. “We are pleased that Hoku has corrected its violations, as safe storage and management of hazardous waste protects the community and our environment.”

    The EPA’s hazardous waste rules require facilities to properly store, label and seal hazardous waste containers. Each facility is also required to have an EPA hazardous waste identification number. Facilities must have properly trained staff, as improperly stored hazardous waste can potentially spill and pose a risk to workers and the environment.

    For more information on the EPA’s hazardous waste program visit: https://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/hazwaste.htm

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