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So. Calif. company will pay for $25,000 for violating hazardous waste laws

Release Date: 03/28/2006
Contact Information: Francisco Arcaute - (213) 244-1815

LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the California Technical Plating Corporation of San Fernando, Calif., $25,000 for violating federal hazardous waste regulations, including storing hazardous waste without a permit.

The California Technical Plating Corporation specializes in electroplating and chemical etching; the firm generates more than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month at its facility located at 11533 Bradley Avenue in San Fernando, including wastewater treatment sludge, spent acids, and spent filter cartridges from cyanide tanks.

“Electroplating typically generates cadmium, chromium, and cyanide wastes,” said Jeffrey Scott, director of the EPA's Waste Management Division for the Pacific Southwest region. "These wastes are highly toxic; companies must comply with EPA hazardous waste regulations in order to protect human health and prevent impacts to the environment."

In October 2002, the EPA inspected the California Technical Plating Corporation, finding the following alleged violations under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act:

• Storage of hazardous waste without a permit;
• Not closing hazardous waste containers;
• Failing to provide notification or certification of hazardous debris treatment;
• Failing to inspect hazardous waste storage areas;
• Not providing a hazardous waste training program;
• Not having a complete contingency plan;
• Failing to maintain manifest records and follow-up on hazardous waste shipments.

California Technical Plating Corporation has since rectified the violations.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act oversees how to safely manage and dispose of huge amounts of waste generated nationwide. For more information on the RCRA program, please visit:
https://www.epa.gov/compliance/basics/cleanup.html#rcra