Vermont Environmental Agency to Pay Fine for Hazardous Waste Violations

A Vermont environmental agency has agreed to pay the state $115,000 for improper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation has agreed to pay $85,000 in civil penalties and $30,000 to fund a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) because its R.A. LaRosa Environmental Laboratory violated the state’s environmental laws, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.

 “No different than any other laboratory in the state, the agency is accountable for its failure to follow and comply with Vermont’s environmental laws,” said Attorney General William H. Sorrell, in a news release. “However, to its credit, as soon as the agency suspected that violations had occurred, it contacted my office and cooperated fully with our investigation.”

In the consent order filed in Superior Court Washington Unit, the agency admitted to 24 different violations of Vermont’s hazardous waste management rules and state law.

If the court approves the consent order, the agency will be required to create a comprehensive compliance plan that will include, among other things, procedures for the handling, identification and storage of hazardous waste.

The intention of the SEP payment is to create a contingency fund managed by the Vermont Solid Waste District Managers Association and used to provide services to stabilize highly hazardous wastes that might be brought to local solid waste centers during collection events.