The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Ameresco Palmetto, LLC (Ameresco) of Wellford, South Carolina, regarding alleged violations of hazardous waste management laws at its facility in the state.
In March 2023, EPA representatives conducted a compliance evaluation inspection at the Ameresco facility under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Inspectors from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, now known as the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, accompanied them. The inspection revealed several potential violations of state and federal hazardous waste laws related to the management of hazardous waste in containers and tanks, including volatile organic air emission requirements.
“It's important that generators of hazardous wastes follow applicable federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment. Generators are responsible for the appropriate management of their wastes,” said Keriema Newman, Director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division of the EPA’s Southeast Region. “Companies will be held accountable when they do not follow applicable state and federal environmental laws.”
As part of the settlement, Ameresco has agreed to pay a civil penalty amounting to $231,000. The company has also certified that it has corrected all alleged noncompliance issues.
More information about EPA’s hazardous waste program can be found on their website.
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