EPA files complaint against Carson, Calif. company for federal hazardous waste violations

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filed a complaint against Carson, Calif.-based company Johnson Laminating and Coating, Inc. for hazardous waste management violations at its 20631 Annalee Ave. facility.

"The violations found at the Johnson Laminating facility are significant and if left uncorrected could lead to serious harm to the workers and the surrounding environment," said Rich Vaille, the EPA’s Waste Management Division associate director for the Pacific Southwest region. "Today’s action sends a message to the regulated community that the EPA is committed to aggressively enforcing safe hazardous waste handling requirements."

During a routine inspection in January 2007, the EPA discovered that Johnson Laminating:

· stored hazardous waste without a permit;
· failed to close hazardous waste containers;
· failed to maintain a complete contingency plan; and
· failed to maintain adequate aisle space.

Johnson Laminating has stored hazardous waste longer than the 90-day limit required by federal and state regulations. The EPA has not received confirmation that Johnson Laminating has corrected the violations found during the inspection. The company faces fines up to $32,500 per day per violation if it fails to comply.

The EPA’s hazardous waste rules require facilities to close hazardous waste containers to prevent accidental release, which would pose a risk to workers and the environment. A complete contingency plan assists workers and emergency responders in the event of an emergency.

Johnson Laminating develops and manufactures flexible laminations and coatings technologies for various industrial markets, and its hazardous waste includes solvents.