PHOENIX (AP) -- A Phoenix company that manufactures ejection seat rocket motors and other explosive devices has been fined by the state for hazardous waste and air quality violations.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality announced Wednesday a $140,000 penalty against Universal Propulsion Company.
Between 2002 and 2006, ADEQ issued four notices of violation to UPCO concerning the hazardous waste ammonium perchlorate. The material is used for rocket fuel, munitions and pyrotechnics.
The state is committed to ensuring that UPCO's operations do not pose a risk to residents in the area as long as it continues to operate there, said Steve Owens, ADEQ director.
Late Wednesday evening, UPCO responded to the state fine.
''UPCO is pleased to have resolved this matter and will continue to work closely with ADEQ as it phases out manufacturing operations in Arizona and relocates out of state,'' said Jerry Ricketts, UPCO's director.
''UPCO also remains committed to continued cooperation with ADEQ to address historical contamination at the site regardless of whether UPCO has active operations in Arizona,'' Ricketts said in a statement.