In May, Titanium Metals Corporation (TIMET) was ordered to pay a $13.75 million civil penalty for violations to the Toxic Substances Control Act. According to a press release from the Environmental Protection Agency, this was the largest penalty ever ordered for TSCA violations.
The penalty stems from the unauthorized manufacture and disposal of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) at its Henderson, Nev., manufacturing facility, the EPA stated. In EPA investigations in 2005, 2006 and 2008, the agency discovered that PCBs were being manufactured as a byproduct of titanium at the Black Mountain Industrial Complex. In 2008, it was also discovered that waste contaminated with PCBs was disposed of at a solid waste landfill and a trench onsite.
Described as a human-made organic material used in paint, construction materials, plastics, and electrical equipment before being banned for most uses in the U.S. for thirty years, PCBs are considered probable carcinogens, the EPA stated. When released into the environment, they do not break down naturally.
In addition to the TSCA penalty and a required investigation and cleanup as well as approximately $6 million already spent on investigation, cleanup, and compliance, the Pennsylvania-based company was ordered to pay an additional $250,000 for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act due to illegal disposal of hazardous process wastewater.
When it comes to compliance with environmental regulations, you can't afford to be wrong. Emilcott will help ensure that you aren't. While we're based in New Jersey, our services are available anywhere we're needed, and for any business. If you face environmental, health, and safety concerns, we offer professional consulting, training, and help with your compliance concerns. For more information, contact us.