Maine Storage Facility Pays for Chemical Reporting Violations
The owner of a storage facility in Bangor, Maine, will pay a fine of $17,121 to settle EPA claims that it violated chemical reporting requirements under the federal Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
According to EPA, Galt Block Warehouse failed to prepare and submit emergency and hazardous chemical inventory forms to the local emergency planning committee, the state emergency response commission, and the local fire department, in violation of EPCRA.
During an inspection in May 2007, EPA determined that Galt was storing sulfuric acid, lead, and propane gas in amounts greater than the minimum threshold levels allowed before reporting requirements kick in. In particular, Galt had 3,190 pounds of sulfuric acid, exceeding the threshold limit of 500 pounds before a Tier II form must be submitted. Sulfuric acid, lead, ammonia, and propane gas are hazardous substances that require special storage and handling.
The use of these chemicals must be reported under federal laws so that emergency responders are able to take necessary safety precautions to protect themselves and the public in the event of an emergency situation at the facility. For more information on EPCRA enforcement in New England, go to epa.gov/ne/enforcement/epcra/.