GSK settles with EPA over waste ethanol storage violations

In Washington, in a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, GlaxoSmithKline, LLC (GSK) has agreed to properly manage the hazardous waste at its research and development facility in King of Prussia, Pa. GSK, located at 709 Swedeland Rd., has also agreed to pay a $317,550 penalty to settle the alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations.

EPA cited GSK for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA is designed to protect public health and the environment, and to avoid costly cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

After an August 2012 EPA inspection, and follow-up investigations, EPA cited the company for RCRA hazardous waste storage violations involving a 150-gallon hazardous waste tank containing waste ethanol, an ignitable substance; a 55-gallon drum containing a hazardous waste substance. Additionally, the company was cited for the improper handling of fluorescent light tubes, which contain mercury, a hazardous chemical.