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EPA Settles Enforcement Case Against Woburn-Based Steel Drum Company

Release Date: 04/08/1999
Contact Information: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office (617-918-1008)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it has settled an enforcement case against the Woburn Steel Drum Inc., with the company correcting the environmental violations and agreeing to pay an $18,000 penalty.

The Woburn-based company, which refurbishes used steel drums, was cited last October for a half-dozen violations of federal and state hazardous waste regulations, including failure to properly label containers of hazardous waste and late reporting of hazardous waste exports.

The proposed penalty in the original complaint was $84,200. EPA said it reduced the penalty because of the company's financial condition. EPA added that the company corrected the hazardous waste violations immediately and was very cooperative in its negotiations with EPA.

Woburn Steel refurbishes used steel drums by sending them through a tubular incinerator that burns out any residues adhering to them. This process generates large amounts of incinerator ash, which is hazardous because it contains cadmium. All of the company's ash is exported to Canada.

"We're pleased that this case has been settled and that Woburn Steel responded quickly to the problems that we uncovered, especially given the company's proximity to a planned commuter rail station," said John P. DeVillars, EPA's New England Administrator.