Known as Pepco, the Washington, D.C.-area Potomac Electric Power Company recently resolved hazardous waste issues with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, agreeing to pay $54,000 in damages related to storage practices at a maintenance facility, EPA said in a release.
EPA said it cited the utility company for multiple alleged failures related to storage of materials exposed to or containing lead, mercury and other toxic substances.
The agency cited Pepco for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a federal law regulating hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal. While Pepco did not officially admit to liability, it remedied the violations and intends to cooperate fully with RCRA, the EPA said.
Specifically, Pepco was alleged to have committed five violations including failure to keep hazardous waste containers closed and properly labeled; neglecting to conduct inspections of storage areas and maintain fire protection equipment; and lack of a satisfactory contingency plan.
“The settlement addresses compliance with environmental regulations that help protect communities and the environment from potential exposure to hazardous waste,” the EPA said in the release.
Alerts Sign-up