EPA settles with Citrus and Allied Essences. Ltd. over hazardous waste violations at Belcamp, Md. facility | WPN World People News

Citrus and Allied Essences, Ltd. a producer of essential oils used for flavoring and fragrances, will pay a $59,472 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its manufacturing facility in Belcamp, Md., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on August 15.

As part of the settlement, Citrus and Allied also agreed to spend an additional $44,000 to complete a supplemental environmental project that involves developing a management program that will enhance the company’s safety and environmental compliance.

EPA cited Citrus and Allied for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid costly cleanups by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

The alleged RCRA violations involved the generation and management of spent terpenes, which are organic compounds generated at the facility from the distillation of essential oils from fruits, flowers, and other plants. The spent terpenes are considered hazardous waste because they are ignitable. The alleged violations included failure to make hazardous waste determinations; failure to properly manage hazardous waste in containers and in a hazardous waste storage tank; failure to update the facility contingency plan; and failure to document hazardous waste training for employees.

The settlement penalty reflects the company’s compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA. As part of the settlement, Citrus has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.

Source:　U.S. Environmental Protection Agency