This was part of a larger enforcing action.
The EPA just issued World Resources Company a penalty of $39,900. All for disregarding regulations concerning the disposal of hazardous waste.
World Resources, based in Tolleson, Arizona, produces metal concentrates through the utilization of manufactured residues. So they were fined $39,900 for failing to adhere to hazardous waste regulations. The violations were a result of improper transportation of hazardous wastes. The company also ships these materials to smelters for industrial purposes.
This was part of a larger enforcement measure.
A look at hazardous waste is provided by the website of Actenviro. It examines the various types of this kind of waste. Especially how it is created and handled, and what it is.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is issued by the federal government. For it necessitates that companies producing over 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste. That’s also 2.2 pounds of acute hazardous waste (which can have detrimental impacts even in tiny amounts). They submit a report to the EPA at least biennially
In addition, the data gathered is also used to assess the effects of regulatory and policy changes. Especially on companies that produce hazardous waste. The reports also document changes to the waste’s volume and toxicity. Again, all which can be used to measure the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA). Especially in attempts to reduce pollution and minimize waste.
RCRA
Finally, the data is also used to evaluate the effect of regulations and policies on companies. All that generate hazardous waste. The reports also collect information about changes in waste volume and toxicity. All that can be used to measure the impact of the EPA’s efforts in the area of pollution prevention. Finally and waste minimization.
EPA inspectors have been working to prevent illegal dumping – particularly in the Phoenix area – and since 2011 they have imposed penalties on more than 640 companies and individuals for violating the hazardous waste disposal regulations.
In addition, the EPA has also used its administrative tools to compel compliance. An EPA-enforced 2007 settlement with Waste Management Inc. (WM) brought in $489,000 in fines. All which were the first significant penalties ever levied against the industry for this type of activity.
Historical Perspective
In 2011, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld announced the issuance of the first nationwide violation notices under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The EPA issued two RCRA violations notices to WM. I mean a single notice to Waste Connections. Finally and another single notice to Republic Services Corporation.
Conclusion
On November 2, 2011, EPA managers also issued the first national RCRA violation notices to Waste Connections and Republic Services, based on evidence that these companies had shipped more than 40,000 tons of hazardous waste to landfills and other destinations in violation of the regulations. In announcing these actions, EPA managers declared that the revelations “showed a potential safety and health threat to the communities they service.”
The enforcement actions are part of EPA’s overall efforts to prevent non- regulation violations – including waste disposal and other dangerous practices – that pose an environmental and public health risk to communities.
Context
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a warning to the city of Phoenix, Arizona. The warnings stated that it needs to clean up its air quality. The EPA’s decision comes after years of monitoring the city’s air pollution levels. All which have consistently been above national standards. The agency has also given Phoenix two years to develop a plan to reduce pollution. Moreover and meet federal standards.
Residents in shock
For residents of Phoenix, the news is alarming. Especially as the city’s air quality has been linked to a range of health issues. For that’s including asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer. While some may view the EPA’s warning as a negative development for the city, it presents an opportunity for Phoenix to take meaningful action towards improving its air quality and protecting the health of its citizens. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the EPA’s warning, what it means for Phoenix, and what steps the city can take to address its air pollution problem.
Source EPA
