EPA v. PANDUIT CORPORATION

Case summary

Region 5 filed a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) with Panduit Corp., concluding the proceeding against the Respondent for RCRA violations. Panduit Corp. is a metal finisher and performs electroplating of network, power and grounding connectors through tin, nickel, and gold plating lines. EPA alleged that Panduit failed to obtain a RCRA permit or interim status at its Orland Park and New Lenox, Illinois facilities. EPA�s allegations were based on information and documents provided by Panduit Corp. during three inspections that occurred on August 12, 2008, December 2, 2009 and on March 8, 2011, in response to pre-filing settlement discussions, to a Request for Information, and to a Pre-Filing Notice and Opportunity to Confer Letter (Pre-Filing Letter). EPA alleged that, based on Panduit Corp.�s failure to comply with certain conditions for the generator exemption, Panduit Corp. became an operator of a hazardous waste storage facility. Specifically, EPA alleged that Respondent failed to place hazardous waste in containers and tanks, and stored hazardous waste in containers and tanks without proper labeling. Furthermore, EPA alleged that Respondent violated the storage facility requirements when it failed to: (1) adequately operate secondary containment; (2) use overfill prevention controls on tanks; (3) obtain written assessments for hazardous waste tanks; and, (4) maintain a contingency plan, training and inspection records. Lastly, EPA alleged that Panduit Corp. failed to comply with certain generator requirements, i.e. submission of annual and exception reports.

Defendants (1)

• PANDUIT CORP.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• PANDUIT CORP - TERMINALS DIVISION

  1333 SCHOOLHOUSE RD, NEW LENOX, IL, 60451-2746

  Registry ID: 110041011847

• PANDUIT CORP-NETWORK SYSTEM DIV

  10500 W 167TH ST, ORLAND PARK, IL, 60467-5430

  Registry ID: 110001356906

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3005 — Permits for Treatment, Storage, or Disposal of Hazardous Waste
• RCRA 3002 — Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• PANDUIT CORPORATIONentered 2012-03-28

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $60,550

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2012-03-28Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2012-03-28Final Order Issued
• 2012-04-04Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2012-04-09Compliance Achieved
• 2012-04-09Enforcement Action Closed