Thursday, May 11, 2017

Reliance Treated Wood, Inc. to pay a $69,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its wood treatment facility in Federalsburg, Md.


Reliance Treated Wood, Inc. Settles Hazardous Waste Violations at Federalsburg, Md. Facility


PHILADELPHIA (May 11, 2017) Reliance Treated Wood, Inc. has agreed to pay a $69,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its wood treatment facility in Federalsburg, Md., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

The settlement addresses compliance with environmental regulations that help protect communities and the environment from potential exposure to hazardous waste.

EPA cited Reliance Treated Wood, Inc. for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid long and extensive cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

Reliance Treated Wood, Inc. pressure treats wood at its facility. EPA cited the company for alleged violations including:
  • Storage of hazardous waste containing chromated copper arsenate in the drippage collection system and sump for more than 90 days;
  • Failure to obtain and keep on file an annual written assessment of the facility’s drip pad;
  • Failure to adequately maintain the facility’s leak containment safeguards;
  • Failure to maintain an adequate contingency plan;
  • Failure to maintain personnel training records;
  • Failure to make timely waste determinations.

The settlement reflects the company’s compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA in the investigation. As part of the settlement, Reliance Treated Wood, Inc. has not admitted liability, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.