EBMUD Says Hazardous Material Handling Issues in EPA Lawsuit Were Corrected

East Bay Municipal Utility District representatives today said all issues have been corrected in regards to a lawsuit it faced for its handling of hazardous waste at a Oakland wastewater treatment plant. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday it settled a lawsuit with EBMUD, requiring the utility to pay $99,900.

The impetus for the lawsuit was a 2014 site inspection at EBMUD’s West Oakland sewage plant, near the Bay Bridge. EPA officials said it was discovered that shipments for regulated hazardous wastes were accepted without proper permitting and certain materials weren’t labeled.

Andrea Pook, an EBMUD spokeswoman, today emphasized that the first issue was a permitting issue. A small amount of hazardous waste was received, handled and treated in a manner that was safe and responsible, in accordance with extensive procedures, she said. Pook said EBMUD believed at the time its actions were in compliance with federal regulations. She added that EBMUD no longer takes this material. As for the labeling issue, Pook said it has been corrected and staff training has been put in place.

“EBMUD understands and respects the goals of the EPA and continues to be committed to protecting the health of the San Francisco Bay,” she said.

The EPA routinely conducts inspections under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which grants EPA the authority to control all aspects of the handling of hazardous waste.

“EPA’s oversight role is pivotal to ensuring compliance with hazardous waste laws,” said Jared Blumenfeld, a regional administrator for the agency.

See Also:

• EBMUD Reaches Settlement for Bad Handling of Hazardous Materials

By Bay City News

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