The final out come of the penalty has not been settled as of yet. The focus of a number of articles has been on obtaining a permit from the DEQ and operating in compliance with the regulations. Very little information has been provided as to why a facility should operate in compliance, not specifically in the area of air quality, but in all environmental areas as well as OSHA standards and DOT requirements. A company falsely declared approximately 77,000 gallons of catalyst as non-hazardous and sent the material to Arizona for disposal. Operation of a facility in compliance with the regulations ensures a safe environment.
Some companies fear the inspectors from the regulatory agencies.
A Minnesota company accidentally sent hundreds of five-gallon pails containing a hazardous waste to a landfill not permitted for such waste. While these fines and penalties may seem extreme, regulatory agencies are out there to protect the environment and human life. Companies that are aware of the regulations and operate in compliance are helping the agencies accomplish their goal and work toward a better tomorrow. The SBAP technical assistants are available to assist individuals with various environmental questions. They can provide information necessary to avoid such fines and penalties to small businesses in the state as well as visit your site and identify areas of concern that a company should research.