All News Releases By Date

U.S. EPA fines Torrance telecommunications firm $21,400

Release Date: 09/27/2007
Contact Information: Marc Mowrey, (415) 972-3324

SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined Torrance, Calif.-based Global Communications Semiconductors Inc $21,400 over hazardous waste storage violations.

Global Communication Semiconductors, a manufacturer and supplier of semiconductor chips located at 23155 Kashiwa Ct., failed to comply with labeling, storage and inspection requirements of the federal hazardous waste management regulations known as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

“Violations of this kind have the potential for serious consequences if left unaddressed,” said Nancy Lindsay, director of the Waste Management Division for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “We are pleased the company has corrected its violations. All companies generating hazardous waste must follow the rules to protect their employees, the public and the environment."

During an April 2006 inspection, EPA investigators found numerous violations of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, including:
* failure to comply with labeling requirements for containers of hazardous wastes;
* storage of hazardous waste exceeding the 90 day limit allowable for large quantity hazardous waste generators;
* failure to conduct weekly inspections of hazardous waste;
* failure to provide, and document hazardous waste handling training for its personnel;
* an incomplete emergency contingency plan;
* failure to obtain an EPA identification number.

The EPA's hazardous waste rules require facilities to properly store, label and seal hazardous waste containers. Facilities must also have properly trained staff, as improperly stored hazardous waste can potentially spill and pose a risk to workers and the environment.