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EPA Cites Hazardous Waste Violations at Two Southeastern Pa. Foundries

Release Date: 1/15/2004
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited two metal foundries in southeastern Pennsylvania for violations of federal hazardous waste regulations. In separate complaints, EPA has proposed a $69,198 penalty against Buck Company, Inc., owner of a foundry in Quarryville, Lancaster Co., Pa, and a $16,698 penalty against Kief Industries, Inc., owner of the Excelsior Brass Works foundry in Blandon, Berks Co., Pa.

Both companies were cited under 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 disposal of hazardous waste.

The Buck Company Foundry, located at 897 Lancaster Pike, Quarryville, Pa., produces gray, malleable, and ductile iron as well as brass, bronze, and aluminum. This process creates toxic heavy metal waste. In an inspection by EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on March 25, 2003, inspectors identified alleged violations, including several instances of storing hazardous waste without a RCRA permit beyond the allowable 90-day limit. Inspectors observed hazardous baghouse dust on the ground near the dust collection containers.

EPA=s complaint also cited Buck Company for one open container of hazardous waste and storing hazardous waste in a manner that didn’t allow for inspection or quick response to emergency. The company also allegedly failed to maintain records of employee training in hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal.

The Excelsior Brass Works, located at 331 June St., Blandon, Pa., produces zinc oxide sludge (ZOS), a hazardous waste containing lead and cadmium, as part of its metal ingot melting process. EPA inspections on September 25 and October 29, 2002 revealed that the facility was storing an estimated 11,000 kilograms of ZOS in 92 55-gallon drums, which had apparently accumulated at the facility since 1998.

In its complaint against Kief Industries, the owner of Excelsior Brass Works, EPA alleges that the facility stored ZOS without a RCRA permit beyond allowable accumilation periods, did not properly label or date drums containing this waste, and did not prepare required hazardous waste manifests when this waste was shipped to a reclamation facility.

EPA has ordered both companies to immediately comply with applicable RCRA hazardous waste regulations. The companies have the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalties.