EPA v. Vassar College

Case summary

Vassar must make a Hazardous Waste determination on all its hazardous waste streams. It must abide by all the container storage requirements. It must inform local response agencies of its hazardous waste activities. It must train its employees in proper waste management procedures, It must maintain its facilities such that the chance of fire, explosion or release is minimized. It must keep records of its UST monitoring. On March 25 through the 28th EPA conducted a multimedia inspection of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. From information gained during that inspection and that which was gained through the use of information request letters and a NOV, EPA determined that Vassar violated the following: (1) failure to make a hazardous waste determination on several waste streams; (2) failure to obtain a permit for container storage of hazardous waste and failing to store containers holding hazardous waste in accordance with the small quantity generator regulations; (3) failure to have adequate emergency preparedness and prevention; (4) failure to provide employees with waste handling and emergency procedures; (5) failure to minimize releases and the potential for esplosions; and (6) failure to maintain UST release detection records. As a result of these violations, Vassar was issued a complaint for approximatelly $97,000 on September 25, 2003. After two settlement meetings EPA and Vassar came to a settlement in principal having injunctive relief for those areas where they were found to be out of compliance as well as a $66,925 penalty. Vassar decided to conduct several SEPs in lieu of paying the entire penalty.

Defendants (1)

• Vassar CollegeNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• VASSAR COLLEGE

  124 RAYMOND AVENUE, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, 12604-0002

  Registry ID: 110000808350

• VASSAR COLLEGE

  124 RAYMOND AVENUE, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, 12604-0002

  Registry ID: 110000808350

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3002 — Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Vassar Collegeentered 2004-08-24

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $43,087 · SEP: $31,595

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2003-09-25Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2003-10-02Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2004-08-24Enforcement Action Closed
• 2004-08-24Final Order Issued