For Release: August 24,1998

Contact: Dean Albro 222-1360

Bob Ballou 222-4700 ext. 4420

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has issued a Notice of Violation to Standard Spray Co., Inc. for the improper storage and labeling of hazardous waste at its industrial facility on Spragueville Road, Smithfield.

The action, undertaken pursuant to DEM's delegated authority under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), includes a series of immediate compliance orders and the imposition of a $74,000 fine.

"This important enforcement action reflects DEM's continuing determination to fully remedy and penalize violations involving hazardous waste," said DEM Director Andy McLeod.

The Standard Spray facility employs a spraying process involving the application of various liquid coatings to plastic and metal. The process generates several types of hazardous wastes, including dry filters, solvents, "still bottoms" from the distillation of acetone, and paint-related wastes.

Responding to a complaint, DEM inspected the facility and identified a number of apparent violations, including the improper storage and labeling of hazardous wastes.

Pursuant to the Notice of Violation, DEM has ordered the company to undertake immediately the following steps: provide spill control measures for all containers of hazardous waste; properly label all hazardous waste containers; implement a documented weekly inspection program; cease the improper disposal of hazardous material generated from solvent reclamation activities; remove accumulated waste outside the facility resulting from paint spraying emissions; and make arrangements with a permitted hazardous waste transporter to remove all hazardous waste that has been in storage at the facility for more than 90 days.

Also, within 30 days, the company must: submit to DEM for review and approval a plan for a permanent container storage area that provides secondary containment; submit lab results indicating that all hazardous waste containers have been property identified; and submit to DEM for review and approval an updated hazardous waste training plan for personnel.

The violation notice also imposes an administrative penalty of $74,000, which must be paid within 20 days.

As prescribed by law, Standard Spray may request a hearing on the violation notice, provided that such a request is made within 10 days.