Two plastic packaging companies based in Mission, Kansas, have reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over alleged violations of federal hazardous waste regulations. Packaging Products Corporation LLC and PPC Flexible LLC will collectively pay a civil penalty of $182,879 and invest nearly $710,000 in facility upgrades to address these issues.
Both firms are subsidiaries of PPC Flex and produce food-grade packaging. The manufacturing process generates hazardous ink and solvent waste. According to the EPA, the companies failed to adhere to several federal regulations designed to safeguard workers and the public from hazardous waste exposure.
The EPA conducted inspections at the Packaging Products and PPC Flexible facilities in 2022 and 2023. These inspections revealed violations such as operating without necessary permits for hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal; non-compliance with universal waste and used oil management regulations; failure to conduct proper hazardous waste determinations; and neglecting to notify state authorities about operational changes.
"EPA is committed to leveling the playing field for companies that comply with federal law," stated David Cozad, Director of EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. "This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protect communities from releases of hazardous waste, especially those already burdened by historical pollution."
As part of the agreement with the EPA, both companies will implement computerized upgrades to their Environmental Management Systems. These systems are intended to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. Additionally, they will replace halogen and fluorescent lighting systems with energy-efficient LED lighting across 11 PPC Flex facilities nationwide.
The community surrounding the PPC Flexible facility in Mission has been identified by the EPA as potentially sensitive due to various environmental risk factors such as particulate matter exposure, air toxics cancer risk, toxic air releases, proximity to Superfund sites, hazardous waste locations, and wastewater discharges. The agency aims to enhance enforcement efforts in overburdened communities facing significant health or environmental challenges due to industrial activities.
According to the EPA's findings, Packaging Products—which no longer operates its Kansas facility—and PPC Flexible were classified as “large quantity generators” of hazardous wastes. Exposure to such materials poses serious risks including injury or death. Federal laws mandate that facilities generating hazardous wastes must properly identify them and follow safe practices for their handling and disposal.
