The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Waste Management of Wisconsin Inc. (WMWI) that will include enhanced monitoring for hazardous waste near the Metro Landfill in Franklin, Wisconsin, and a $232,000 fine to resolve alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
“EPA takes seriously every company’s obligation to properly manage solid and hazardous waste to protect our communities and their citizens,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede in a release. “[The agency’s July 2] enforcement action against WMWI reflects EPA’s continued commitment to ensure compliance with state and federal environmental laws.”
WMWI, a subsidiary of Houston-based Waste Management Inc., owns and operates the Metro Recycling and Disposal Facility. The Metro Landfill is licensed by the state of Wisconsin to accept non-hazardous municipal, commercial, industrial and special wastes for disposal, but is not authorized to treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste. EPA alleged that WMWI improperly disposed of hazardous electric arc furnace dust from a steel casting foundry at the Metro Landfill on at least 10 days. The dust was contaminated with chromium, a hazardous waste and known human carcinogen.
Under the terms of the settlement, WMWI has agreed to conduct leachate and groundwater monitoring, and update its waste management plan and training program. The settlement also includes a civil penalty of $232,000.
The proposed settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.