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EPA Finds Three Facilities in Violation of Used Oil Requirements -- Fines Ensue

Release Date: 09/14/1998
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(#98125) SAN JUAN, P.R. -- The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined one company and two municipalities in Puerto Rico for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the handling of used motor oil. The company, Petro West Inc., was found to be liable for several environmental infractions under RCRA, including failure to notify EPA that it was transporting and recycling used oil. The municipalities of Juncos and Isabela were also found liable for failure to store the oil in safe containers and properly clean up releases.

"Used oil is a serious issue in Puerto Rico, and is of particular concern to the EPA," said Jeanne M. Fox, EPA Region 2 Administrator. "Oil is toxic to the fragile aquatic ecosystems surrounding the island, and to residents if it makes its way into the drinking water. It is very important for companies and municipalities that deal with used oil to follow all EPA regulations regarding its handling." Most used oil today comes from automobiles and other machinery. Approximately 1.4 billion gallons of used oil is produced in the United States and its commonwealths annually.

Since it is an easily recyclable material, federal regulations have been designed to promote recycling of used oil that does not contain hazardous additives, while imposing requirements to ensure its safe management. Recycled used oil can be burned as heating fuel for homes and industry, or re-used as machine lubricant. After recycling, one gallon of used oil makes the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of crude oil (virgin oil taken directly from the earth), demonstrating how essential re-using oil is to the preservation of the earth's natural resources.

EPA's regulations regarding used oil are aimed at preventing releases and improper disposal. Those who handle used oil, from companies who generate it, collect it, and transport it, to those who recycle and market it, are required to follow specific management standards. Some of these standards include keeping track of shipments, analyzing the oil's contents, storing it safely, obtaining EPA identification numbers, and preventing spills.

Fines imposed by EPA for the mishandling of used oil by Petro West, Inc., and the municipalities of Juncos and Isabela totaled approximately $100,000. Since 1995, companies and municipalities in Puerto Rico have been fined over $5.5 million for used oil infractions.

For more information contact:
Nina Habib Spencer, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3670 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: [email protected]