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EPA Cites Philadelphia Airport for Hazardous Waste Storage Violations

Release Date: 10/7/1999
Contact Information: Ruth Podems, (215) 814-5540

Ruth Podems, (215) 814-5540

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited the Philadelphia International Airport for violating federal hazardous waste regulations.

EPA’s administrative complaint proposes a $375,151 penalty for violations of the federal statute regulating hazardous waste storage, inspection, record keeping, emergency planning, and training requirements. These regulations are designed to reduce the risk of leaks of hazardous wastes that are stored at facilities prior to disposal.

The hazardous wastes involved in the violations -- mostly paints and solvents -- were stored in a warehouse and other non-terminal buildings along Island Avenue and posed no health risk to airport passengers.

These alleged violations were discovered during EPA inspections of airport buildings in July 1998 and May 1999, and in responses to follow-up information requests.

EPA regulators met with Philadelphia officials this week to discuss the violations alleged in the complaint. The city, which owns the airport, has advised EPA that it has taken steps to correct the problems.

EPA has ordered the city to comply with all applicable hazardous waste storage regulations at the airport. The city is entitled to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and the proposed penalty.