EPA v. City University of New York - Brooklyn College

Case summary

On July 10, 2017, EPA issued an administrative complaint to the Respondent for RCRA violations found at the time of EPA's 2016 inspection at the Respondent's Brooklyn College campus. The complaint alleges the Respondent failed to make hazardous waste determinations and failed to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or unplanned release of hazardous wastes. Conditions found included the storage of old abandoned unknown chemicals which created a fire hazard and a situation in which first responders and facility personnel might not have known how to properly handle such chemicals; the incompatible storage of chemicals, which if accidentally combined could potentially form a poisonous gas or cause an explosion; and a failure to conduct monthly inspections on many fire extinguishers to ensure that they were in good working order in the hazardous waste accumulation areas. In the settlement, the Respondent agreed to pay a civil penalty of $44,000; certified that to the best of its knowledge and belief it was in compliance with applicable hazardous waste regulations; and agreed to comply with the rules cited in the complaint.

Defendants (1)

• City University of New YorkNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• BROOKLYN COLLEGE

  2900 BEDFORD AVE, BROOKLYN, NY, 11210

  Registry ID: 110019512099

• BROOKLYN COLLEGE

  2900 BEDFORD AVE, BROOKLYN, NY, 11210

  Registry ID: 110019512099

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3002 — Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• City University of New York - Brooklyn Collegeentered 2018-03-28

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $44,000

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2017-07-10Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2017-07-28Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2018-03-28Enforcement Action Closed
• 2018-03-28Final Order Issued