News Releases from Region 06

EPA Fines Wharton Chemical for Hazardous Waste Violations

DALLAS - (March 10, 2015) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently conducted a compliance evaluation of Wharton Chemical in Hungerford, Texas. The evaluation revealed violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) related to the storage and handling of hazardous waste at the facility. The company will pay a $230,000 civil penalty to settle allegations that it violated RCRA, and taking steps to protect the local community from health and environmental risks associated with hazardous waste.

Wharton Chemical, also known as Lamberti USA, Inc., produces specialty chemicals for industrial applications. The facility was classified as a small-quantity generator of hazardous waste. However, during several occasions in Jan. 2009 through Dec. 2013, the facility generated large quantities of hazardous waste (1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month).

RCRA is the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid costly cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally-sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste. The RCRA requirements mandate the use of safe practices which greatly reduce the chance that hazardous waste will be released into the environment. Connect with EPA Region 6:
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