EPA fines Maine chemical warehouse!

2009-06-19 04:14:13 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Government, Justice News Flash)

Bangor chemical warehouse fined by EPA for storage violations.

Bangor based Galt Block Warehouse violates hazardous chemical storage laws.

Bangor, ME (JusticeNewsFlash.com)—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/ levied a $17,121 fine on a Bangor, Maine storage facility for violations of the federal Emergency Planning and Community-Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA). EPA officials allege the Galt Block Warehouse, in violation of the EPCRA, neglected to submit emergency and hazardous chemical inventory forms to the Bangor area emergency planning committee, Maine emergency response commission, and the Bangor Fire Department. The EPA determined, in a May 2007 inspection, the Galt Block Warehouse stored lead, sulfuric acid, and propane gas in amounts exceeding the minimum levels allowed.

Companies are required by the EPCRA to disclose the amounts of hazardous chemicals the facility stores above the levels outlined by the legislation. EPA officials revealed Galt stored 3,190 pounds of sulfuric acid, which is well above the limit of 500 pounds. The storage warehouse failed to file the Tier II form submission required to local emergency planning committees when they store sulfuric acid in excess of 500 pounds. Special storage and handling of hazardous substances are required for sulfuric acid, lead, ammonia, and propane gas, to ensure safety of workers and the surrounding community. According to Wikipedia http://www.wikipedia.org, the purpose of the federal EPCRA is to encourage and support emergency planning at state and local levels. The federal act also promoted and educates the public and local governments concerning potential chemical hazards present in their communities.

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