EPA v. Long Island University

Case summary

'The institution underwent a multi-media inspection during the week of Nov. 26, 2001; the RCRA portion was conducted on Nov. 23, and 27, 2001. The following RCRA violations were found: 6NYCRR 372.2(a)(2) (failure to make a hazardous waste determination); 373-29(d)(3), 372.2(a)(8)(b)(ii), 372.2(a)(8)(III), 373-3.9(d)(1) and other storage violations; and 6 NYCRR 373-3.3(g)(1)(i), 373-3.9(e), 372.2(a)(8)(iii)(e)(2), and other paperwork violations.' Long Island University, Brookly Campus underwent a Multi-Media Inspection during the week of November 26,2001; the RCRA portion of this inspection was conducted on November 26 and 27, 2001. The following RCRA violations were found: operating a storage facility without a permit or interim status by not complying with most of the requirements for generators of hazardous waste (storage, labeling, recordkeeping, emergency preparation and prevention, and personnel training), and failing to make hazardous waste determinations. Also, conditions were found which revealed that the university failed to minimize risks of fire, explosion and releases, and allowed, for example, an employee to use a hazardous waste storage area as secondary living quarters; the university also directed another employee to crush spent fluorescent lightbulbs. In addition, the university failed to fully respond to two (2)3007 Information Request Letters issued to them subsequent to the inspection. The proposed penalty was $219,833.00. The university signed a Consent Agreement and Final Order which addressed remaining compliance issues, and involved a Supplemental Environmental Project in addition to monetary penalty.

Defendants (1)

• Long Island UniversityNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY, BROOKLYN CAMPUS

  ONE UNIVERSITY PLAZA, BROOKLYN, NY, 11201

  Registry ID: 110019530159

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3002 — Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Long Island Universityentered 2003-05-14

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $33,000 · SEP: $110,000

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2002-09-27Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2002-09-30Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2003-05-14Enforcement Action Closed
• 2003-05-14Final Order Issued