OSHA Issues $787,000 in Penalties Against Wisconsin Firm

From Environmental Protection Online

The citation includes 14 alleged willful and one serious violation against WRR Environmental Services Co. of Eau Claire in connection with a June 29 explosion and fire at its plant, OSHA announced Tuesday.

Dec 15, 2010
OSHA issued $787,000 in proposed penalties Tuesday against a hazardous waste management and solvent recycling company, WRR Environmental Services Co. of Eau Claire, Wis. There were 14 willful and one serious citation filed for allegedly failing to implement measures to prevent chemical fires and explosions at its plant in Eau Claire, where an OSHA investigation took place after a June 29 explosion and fire in a solvent sludge feed tank.

The tank's roof blew off, and a nearby tank also exploded. "Employees had been working in the area of the solvent sludge feed tank immediately prior to the explosion. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries," OSHA stated in its news release.

"Even after WRR Environmental Services experienced a devastating fire that destroyed the facility in 2007, the company still failed to implement an adequate program to ensure safe operating conditions," said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels.

OSHA said this investigation was part of its new Severe Violators Enforcement Program.

EPA reaches agreement with Barron County waste-to-energy facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 09-OPA004
EPA reaches agreement with Barron County, Wis., waste-to-energy facility
CHICAGO (Jan. 14, 2009) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with the Barron County Waste-to-Energy Facility, 575 10 1/2 Ave., Almena, Wis., for alleged Clean Air Act violations.
The agreement, which includes a $17,500 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that the Barron County facility failed to comply with the mercury emission limit specified in its state operating permit and federal requirements for small municipal waste combustors.
Exposure to mercury can permanently damage the brain and kidneys. Adults exposed to metallic mercury vapor may develop tremors, memory loss and kidney disease.
Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/. Potential environmental violations may be reported at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints/.