EPA Enforcement Action Brings Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc. into Compliance at its Linden, New Jersey Facility
LINDEN, NJ – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc., which has resulted in the company’s compliance with hazardous waste laws at its facility in Linden, New Jersey. EPA found several violations, including improper maintenance, equipment malfunctions and faulty storage, which violated regulations and posed a threat to human health and the environment. The settlement documents Safety-Kleen’s return to compliance and the company’s agreement to pay a penalty of $175,000. EPA worked with the company and Safety‑Kleen has repaired and upgraded equipment and improved labeling and handling procedures, which reduces the risk to workers and the community from facility operations.
“This settlement is just one example of EPA’s commitment to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that companies comply with hazardous waste regulations for tanks and containers,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “At the fundamental level, properly handling hazardous waste helps us prevent sites needing future cleanup and upholds the safety of our communities.”
During a 2024 inspection, EPA found several problems at the Linden facility. The backup containment structures that are supposed to catch hazardous waste leaking from tanks or containers had cracks and gaps. Leaking pumps were not fixed on time, and some were not tagged for repair. Equipment was leaking and pipes were not properly sealed, which greatly increased the risk of releasing volatile organic compounds, harmful chemical vapors, into the air. The facility lacked proper labels on equipment and used the wrong types of containers to store waste.
Following the inspection, Safety-Kleen improved its hazardous waste management practices. This includes upgrading containment measures to prevent leaks and using the correct containers to transport waste. Additionally, Safety-Kleen held training sessions for maintenance staff and site leadership on compliance with the above-described requirements.
For more information about EPA’s enforcement program, visit https://www.epa.gov/enforcement.
For more information about hazardous waste, please visit https://www.epa.gov/epcra.
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