News Releases from Region 03

EPA settlement with NASA resolves environmental violations at Goddard Space Flight Center

PHILADELPHIA (November 10, 2015) -The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has agreed to pay a $50,660 penalty to settle alleged violations of federal environmental regulations at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Island, Va., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The settlement brings the Flight Center into compliance with environmental regulations that help protect communities and the environment from potential exposure to hazardous waste.

EPA cited NASA for violations of the Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

EPA cited violations of RCRA requirements for labelling and dating hazardous waste containers used for waste lead solder and alcohol rags, and for inadequate packaging and labelling of universal wastes (e.g., discarded lamps that may contain mercury or other hazardous substances).

NASA also allegedly did not comply with a Clean Air Act permit requirement to obtain a certification from its fuel supplier on the sulfur content and compliance with industry standards for fuel oil used at the facility.

The settlement penalty reflects NASA's compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA in the resolution of this matter. As part of the settlement, NASA has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA and Clean Air Act requirements.

For more information on RCRA laws and regulations, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/rcra