BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Western Washington University (WWU) $18,302 for hazardous waste violations.
Following an agreement in December of last year, the university paid the fine after routine inspections found improperly stored hazardous wastes on campus. According to the EPA, WWU violated state and federal regulations four times.
The wastes named included batteries, lamps and chemicals in a variety of settings throughout campus, notably from science and art buildings. Dangerous waste containers were found to be not closed properly, labeled or accumulated in the designated areas for storage.
WWU personnel were also found to not be trained properly in handling the disposal and storage of the wastes, nor were weekly inspections conducted.
As part of the agreement, WWU will submit yearly self-audit reports to the EPA for the next three years. The university has not responded to immediate requests for comment.
