EPA v. JACKSON LABORATORIES

Case summary

This is an administrative penalty order under RCRA and EPCRA. The Jackson Laboratory is a non-profit, internationally known genetics research facility that employs over 1,300 people. It operates fifty research laboratories on-site. The most environmentally significant RCRA count is based on the Laboratory’s failure to properly store potentially explosive peroxide-forming chemicals and wastes, posing a serious potential for harm to the environment and to employees working in and around these laboratories. The Laboratory also failed to provide annual hazardous waste training for employees with hazardous waste management responsibilities. Violations of other base RCRA program requirements are also alleged. Under EPCRA, the Complaint alleges that Jackson Laboratory stored hazardous chemicals at its facility, including No.2 fuel oil, propane, diesel fuel, unleaded gasoline, liquid nitrogen and rock salt. EPCRA regulations required Jackson Laboratory to notify the local fire department, emergency planning committee and the state emergency response commission of this fact. Jackson Laboratory failed to do so. This information is used by local, state, and federal officials to respond to emergencies. The Laboratory’s failure could have adversely affected public health and the environment. MEDEP issued NOVs to the Laboratory for RCRA violations in 2003 and 2005. Certain violations cited in those NOVs are cited in this administrative complaint as repeat violations.

Defendants (1)

• JACKSON LABORATORIESNamed in complaint

Facilities (1)

• THE JACKSON LABORATORY

  600 MAIN ST, BAR HARBOR, ME, 04609-1500

  Registry ID: 110000865788

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3004 — Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Standards
• EPCRA 312 — Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms
• RCRA 3002 — Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• JACKSON LABORATORIESentered 2009-03-31

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $161,680

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2007-10-17Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2008-09-26Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2009-03-31Final Order Issued