March 10, 2015
DALLAS, TEXAS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
recently conducted a compliance evaluation of Wharton Chemical in Hungerford,
Texas. The evaluation revealed violations of the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) related to the storage and handling of hazardous waste at
the facility.
The company will pay a $230,000 civil penalty to settle allegations
that it violated RCRA, and taking steps to protect the local community from
health and environmental risks associated with hazardous waste.
Wharton Chemical, also known as Lamberti USA, Inc., produces specialty chemicals for industrial applications. The facility was classified as a small-quantity generator of hazardous waste. However, during several occasions in Jan. 2009 through Dec. 2013, the facility generated large quantities of hazardous waste (1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month).
Wharton Chemical, also known as Lamberti USA, Inc., produces specialty chemicals for industrial applications. The facility was classified as a small-quantity generator of hazardous waste. However, during several occasions in Jan. 2009 through Dec. 2013, the facility generated large quantities of hazardous waste (1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month).
RCRA is 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 storage and disposal of
hazardous waste.
The RCRA requirements mandate the use of safe practices which
greatly reduce the chance that hazardous waste will be released into the
environment.