UPS Fined $5.3 Million by EPA For Hazardous Waste Disposal Violations in Facilities Across U.S. and Puerto Rico
United Parcel Service has been fined $5.3 million by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and an agreement has been reached that calls on UPS to address hazardous waste violations at over 1,100 facilities in 45 states and Puerto Rico.
EPA, which made the announcement Wednesday, said the consent agreement with UPS, once completed, will resolve several allegations of violations including UPS’s failure to conduct acceptable on-site management of hazardous waste, and failure to make proper land disposal determinations. UPS was given three years to come into compliance and was levied a civil penalty of $5.3 million. The consent agreement covers 1,160 locations.
Larry Starfield, EPA’s acting assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance, stated, “This settlement is another example of EPA’s commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of hazardous waste. The settlement requires UPS to address illegal actions at all of its facilities and “implement policies that prevent future non-compliance.”
For its part, UPS said it has long followed procedures to manage hazardous waste and would take additional measures to improve its practices.
“The safety of our employees and communities, and care for our environment are the highest priorities at UPS,″ said UPS spokesperson Lauren Spangler, according to the Associated Press. “We will continue to work with agencies and authorities around the world to ensure the safety of our network and the well-being of our employees and the customers and communities we serve.″
UPS is an Atlanta-based multinational shipping and receiving and supply chain management company founded in 1907. Its global operations also including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, among other U.S. territories.
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