3M to pay $126K penalty for hazardous waste storage violations at Illinois manufacturing plant

3M to pay $126K penalty for hazardous waste storage violations at Illinois manufacturing plant

Oct. 10, 2024
The plant, which manufactures specialty chemicals and adhesives, is required to comply with RCRA regulations governing management of solid and hazardous waste.

3M Co. has settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over allegations that the company violated the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) at its facility in Cordova, Illinois. The plant, which manufactures specialty chemicals and adhesives, is required to comply with RCRA regulations governing management of solid and hazardous waste. According to the EPA, 3M stored hazardous waste on-site for more than 90 days without a permit. Additionally, the company was not:

  • Inspecting hazardous waste containers and storage tanks
  • Equipping open-ended valves or lines with caps, blind flanges, plugs, or a second valve
  • Maintaining required documentation 

Because of these violations, 3M must correct the issues and pay $125,900 in civil penalties.  

EPA in the news

Recycler to pay $236K for hazardous waste violations and $642K to reduce organic air emissions
At GRR’s facility in Attalla, Alabama, the company blends hazardous waste for use as fuel in boilers and industrial furnaces.

Akron Steel Treating pays $106K penalty for hazardous waste violations
Akron Steel Treating stored hazardous waste at the facility for more than 180 days without a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit.

Hawkins Inc. fined $51K for producing too much hazardous waste
The EPA concluded that the company was operating as an unpermitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility.

Learn more about hazardous waste

How to Prepare for OSHA’s New HazCom Final Rule
A look at the changes to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard and guidance on how to ensure compliance.

Hazmat Gear Considerations for Chemical Spills
One item does not fit all, especially when it comes to chemical hazards. Here’s what you need to know when reviewing your personal protective equipment and chemical protective clothing options.

OSHA Changes Process Safety Management Standard
Directive governs the safe use and storage of highly hazardous chemicals.

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

Sponsored Recommendations

Effective Enclosure Heating

Aug. 22, 2024
Effective enclosure heating is essential for peak operational efficiency in outdoor and indoor contexts.

Busbar: The Next Evolutionary Step in Control Panel Design

Aug. 22, 2024
Learn how busbar power distribution can help control panel manufacturers unlock enhanced safety, lower costs, and a reduced automation footprint.

Reduce Contamination with the Right Enclosure for Your Food and Beverage Application

Aug. 22, 2024
Protecting electrical controls and equipment within food and beverage plants presents unique challenges due to the sanitation requirements of the hygienic environment.

Enclosure Climate Control: Achieving the Ideal Temperature

March 28, 2024
There are several factors to consider when optimizing the climate inside your electrical enclosure. Download this white paper to learn more.