EPA reaches settlement with Kalama chemical company

KALAMA, Wash. (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with Emerald Kalama Chemical after inspectors say they found hazardous waste storage and handling violations it its Kalama facility. The chemical company has agreed modify its practice and pay a $121,478 penalty as part of the agreement. Inspectors found multiple violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Washington state’s EPA-approved Dangerous Waste program. The violations were related to the storage and handling of wastes containing volatile organic compounds. The EPA says failure to appropriately manage these wastes can lead to emissions of hazardous air pollutants to nearby communities.