Grand Coulee Dam operator to pay $115,000 over hazardous waste violations

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has agreed to pay $115,000 to settle violations related to improper handling of hazardous waste at Grand Coulee Dam.

The Washington Department of Ecology asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct an inspection at the dam last year. Employees weren’t conducting weekly inspections in hazardous waste storage areas and weren’t following labeling and container requirements, among other problems, according to an EPA news release.

The waste included ignitable and corrosive compounds, such as used oil, mercury light ballasts and lithium batteries.

“Proper handling and management of hazardous waste is a serious responsibility that protects both workers and the public,” said Chris Hladick,EPA Regional Administrator in Seattle in a news release. “All types of facilities must comply with the rules to protect people’s health and our environment.”