(SEATTLESept. 27, 2011) Quality Carriers, Inc.,…
(SEATTLE—Sept. 27, 2011) Quality
Carriers, Inc., will pay over $46,000 to settle hazardous chemical
reporting violations at its facility in Kent, Washington, according
to a consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency.
The company is an off-loading facility that transfers chemicals
from rail cars to on-road trucks. According to EPA, in 2009 the
company stored large amounts of hydrogen peroxide above threshold planning quantities without properly
reporting it to the Kent Fire Department, King County Local
Emergency Planning Committee and the State Emergency Response
Commission.
“Local emergency planners and responders need this
information to do their jobs. Its critical information for them to
protect the community and themselves when a dangerous chemical
release occurs,” said Wally Moon, Preparedness and Prevention
Unit Manager from the EPA Emergency Management Program in
Seattle.
Hydrogen peroxide is listed as a toxic and hazardous substance
under Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In 2009 the
facility stored hydrogen peroxide in an amount over 2,000 times the
threshold planning quantity of 500 pounds, which is the threshold
for required reporting under the
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know
Act. Hydrogen peroxide can pose a serious health hazard
when released, most notably respiratory risks.
According to documents, the company failed to file inventory forms
for 2008 and 2009, as required by law, with state and local
emergency response entities.
For additional information about the Toxics Release Inventory Program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program
For more about toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide (NIOSH
GUIDE): https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0335.html
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