Interplex Engineered Products, a manufacturer of electrical conductors located in East Providence, Rhode Island, has agreed to pay a fine of $59,044 as part of a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for alleged violations of hazardous waste management laws. EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash emphasized the importance of proper hazardous waste management, stating, "Improper management of these wastes can lead to releases of dangerous chemicals – in this case cyanide waste."
According to the EPA, Interplex Engineered Products, Inc. violated the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Rhode Island hazardous waste management regulations at its facility. The violations included improper storage of cyanide waste near a grated drainage trench that could potentially lead to the generation of toxic and flammable vapors if mixed with other substances in the area.
In response to the settlement, Cash highlighted that "Due to EPA's enforcement action, these storage violations are being rightfully addressed, and the company has agreed to correct its mistakes and practice compliance moving forward."
Interplex, owned by Interplex Holdings, a multinational company headquartered in Singapore, generates various forms of waste at its East Providence facility, including hazardous waste like cyanide waste. The company engages in activities such as molding, plating, skiving, and assembly of electrical connectors, resulting in the generation of hazardous waste.
The settlement requires Interplex to pay a penalty for the alleged violations and certify compliance with hazardous waste regulations. The company has also committed to rectifying the issues identified by the EPA, including maintaining proper aisle space between waste containers, conducting regular inspections, and providing a contingency plan to local authorities.
The EPA's enforcement of hazardous waste requirements aims to ensure that companies adhere to environmental regulations to prevent risks to public health and the environment.
