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EPA Cites Ford for Hazardous Waste Violations; Proposes $303,745 Fine

21 October 1999

EPA Cites Ford for Hazardous Waste Violations; Proposes $303,745 Fine

    CHICAGO, Oct. 20 -- U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Region 5 has recently issued a civil administrative complaint and
compliance order against Ford Motors Co., Avon Lake, Ohio, for alleged
violations of Federal rules on hazardous waste.  A $303,745 penalty is
proposed.
    The complaint charges that the facility, 650 Miller Rd., violated
requirements for permitting and control of air emissions under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act.  An August 1998 EPA inspection and a records
review revealed that infractions took place between 1996 and the present.

    Under the compliance order, Ford is required to:

    -- Discontinue treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste without
       a permit;
    -- Operate equipment in contact with hazardous waste according to EPA
       requirements; and
    -- Submit to EPA, within 30 days, documents showing compliance.

    EPA regulates the safe handling, transportation, treatment, and disposal
of municipal and industrial solid wastes, from the time of production to their
final disposal.  Ford has the right to request a hearing to discuss the
charges.