Kenmore Air Harbor is facing a $25,000 state environmental penalty for dangerous waste violations.
The Washington Department of Ecology issued the fine after observing repeated violations in regular inspections since 2009. The most recent violations were found during an inspection on Aug. 17, 2016.
The company maintains float planes at its facility, located at 6321 N.E. 175th St.
“With Kenmore Air’s location right on the lake, there’s very little room for error in managing dangerous wastes,” said Darin Rice, manager of Ecology’s Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program, in a department press release. “They’ve cooperated and made corrections after past inspections, but four of those violations have re-appeared at least twice in subsequent inspections.”
The department is fining the company for failing to determine whether its wastes should be designated as dangerous waste, properly label and close all its dangerous waste containers and keep required records of dangerous waste shipments.
Washington’s dangerous waste law and regulations set standards to protect the public and the environment by preventing releases of potentially harmful waste materials at commercial and industrial facilities, the release states. Ecology inspects workplaces that generate dangerous wastes to ensure compliance with requirements for safe handling and storage.
“We immediately responded to Ecology’s August 2016 inspection report with changes to procedures and training that we believe will keep our Air Harbor facility in compliance,” said Kenmore Air President Todd Banks in the release. “We’ve been committed to sustaining and nurturing the Pacific Northwest since our founding in 1946. Our business and employees genuinely care about a healthy environment. We intend to work collaboratively with Ecology to ensure that our operation continues to meet all required environmental standards.”
Ecology penalties may be appealed within 30 days to the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board. Kenmore Air has informed Ecology that the company intends to file such an appeal.
