Hazardous waste facility in Fredonia, KS settles enforcement case with EPA

LENEXA, Kan. (KOAM) - Systech Environmental Corporation, a hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility in Fredonia, Kansas, has agreed to pay $98,513 in civil penalties to resolve alleged violations of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its Hazardous Waste Management Facility Permit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted inspections in October 2022, uncovering several alleged violations, including failure to properly store hazardous waste, incomplete closure of hazardous waste containers, tanks emitting hazardous pollutants exceeding permit limits, and failure to mark containers as hazardous waste.

"Facilities that handle hazardous waste have a heightened obligation to protect workers and the surrounding community from releases," said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. "This penalty action demonstrates EPA's commitment to protecting communities and leveling the playing field for companies that comply with the law."

Following the inspections, the company has reportedly corrected the violations. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) establishes guidelines for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste.

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