EPA v. Space Exploration Technologeis CA/FO 9-28-10

Case summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Hawthorne, Calif.-based Space Exploration Technologies, Inc., - also known as SpaceX - $45,600 for violating hazardous waste requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. SpaceX designs and manufactures launch vehicles, which are used to place satellites into orbit and to deliver cargo to the international space station. SpaceX also manufactures the liquid fuel rockets that power the launch vehicles as well as all associated avionics. “High tech stature does not preclude innovative firms from complying with federal environmental laws that protect their employees, the surrounding community and the environment,” said Jared Blumenfeld, the EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “SpaceX, like any other manufacturer, will be held accountable for improper storage and handling of the hazardous waste it generates.” During a 2009 inspection of the facility, EPA investigators found that SpaceX, a designer and manufacturer of orbital space delivery systems, had multiple hazardous waste violations. The SpaceX violations included: • improperly storing hazardous waste on site for longer than the 180-day time limit; • failure to close hazardous waste containers; • not labeling or improperly labeling hazardous waste containers; • storing hazardous waste in crowded conditions that impaired inspection; • failure to perform waste determination. EPA's hazardous waste rules require facilities to properly store, label and close hazardous waste containers. Facilities must also have properly trained staff, as improperly stored hazardous waste can potentially spill and pose a risk to workers and the environment.

Defendants (1)

• Space Exploration TechnologiesNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

  1 ROCKET RD, HAWTHORNE, CA, 90250

  Registry ID: 110037380642

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3002 — Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Space Exploration Technologeis CA/FO 9-28-10entered 2010-09-28

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $45,600

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2010-09-28Final Order Issued
• 2010-09-28Enforcement Action Closed
• 2010-09-28Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2010-09-30Enforcement Action Data Entered