General Biodiesel fined by US environment protection agency for use of hazardous materials
US-based renewable energy company General Biodiesel is facing a fine and reprimand from the Environment Protection Agency for failing to report the presence of hazardous chemicals in violation of federal emergency planning laws.
The company employs cooking oils, fish oil, vegetable oil, and animal fats to produce biodiesel involving a process that uses hazardous chemicals such as methanol, sodium methoxide, and sulfuric acid.
EPA's Pesticides and Toxics Unit Manager in Seattle Kelly McFadden remarked, "When a company fails to report their hazardous chemicals to emergency planners and responders, they put their employees and the community at risk.
"This information is critical to alert federal, state, and local officials to prevent injuries or deaths to emergency responders, workers, and the local community."
The company has now agreed to pay $62,985 penalty and promised complete compliance with federal emergency planning rules to protect their workers, emergency responders, and the local community.