National Semiconductor slapped with EPA fine
05/01/2001
Mark A. DeSorbo
SOUTH PORTLAND, ME—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently fined Santa Clara, CA-based National Semiconductor Corp. for violating hazardous waste regulations at its South Portland, ME, facility. But company officials there say the $320,000 punishment does not fit the crime.
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"We were disappointed with the magnitude of the fine because it did not reflect the level of the allegations," says spokesperson LuAnn Jenkins, adding that immediate action was taken to correct problems the EPA identified.
 Hazardous waste regulations were violated at National Semiconductors' South Portland, ME, facility. |
The EPA found numerous violations during an August 1999 inspection of the Maine facility, just seven months after a lawsuit that was filed on behalf of 70 women who claim they developed cancer and reproductive problems while working at a National Semiconductor plant in Greenock, Scotland.
The violations in South Portland include:
- Failure to have a complete hazardous waste contingency plan in the event of a spill;
- Failure to fully inspect a hazardous waste tank before it was put into service;
- Failure to label hazardous waste containers properly;
- Failure to properly train employees who handle hazardous waste.
The EPA has also ordered the company to conduct daily inspections of hazardous waste containers and provide training to all employees who have waste handling and disposal duties.
"Our hazardous waste regulations were created to properly monitor dangerous chemicals and prevent spills," Ira Leighton, acting regional administrator of EPA New England, says. "In order for it to work, it is important businesses comply with all of the regulations. When companies fail to do this, they are potentially putting people—their employees and neighbors—at risk."
Paul Edmonds, vice president and managing director of the South Portland facility, says once advised of the EPA's concerns, the company took quick action to resolve the issues.
According to a statement from National, on Feb. 9, 2000, EPA was notified that all issues that had been identified by the federal agency had been resolved. "No harm to the environment, the community, or to the company's employees was identified by National," the statement indicates.
"We identified no adverse effect to the environment or risks to our employees," Edmonds says. "We have complete confidence in our employees and their commitment to safe and proper operation of our facility. We have significantly enhanced our environmental health and safety practices and training as a result of this exercise."