The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Cobalt Boats LLC for violating the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The company, which manufactures motorboats, will have to pay $133,780 in civil penalties to resolve the issue. The EPA alleges that the company’s Neodesha, Kansas, production plant creates a large amount of hazardous waste and did not comply with regulations designed to prevent the release of such waste. According to the EPA, Cobalt Boats failed to take steps to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or unplanned release of hazardous waste, did not maintain proper records, and failed to monitor pumps and valves to detect potential leaks of hazardous waste.
In a recent quote, David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, said, “This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protect communities from releases of hazardous waste. The Agency is also committed to leveling the playing field for companies that comply with federal law.”