Hawkins Inc. fined $51K for producing too much hazardous waste
An investigation conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that Hawkins Inc. allegedly violated the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). According to the EPA, the company, which manufactures, distributes, and sells industrial chemicals, qualifies as a “large quantity generator” of hazardous waste. However, Hawkins Inc. failed to meet the requirements of a facility producing that much waste. The agency alleges that Hawkins Inc. was:
- Accumulating hazardous waste for longer than 90 days
- Failing to prepare a contingency plan to respond to emergencies
- Failing to make arrangements with local emergency responders in the event of a release or threat of a release of hazardous waste
The EPA concluded that the company was operating as an unpermitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility. To settle the situation, Hawkins Inc. will pay $51,158 in civil penalties and purchase $38,610 in emergency response equipment for the Clinton County Emergency Management Unit, Camanche Volunteer Fire Department, Davenport Hazmat Department, and Camanche Police Department.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director David Cozad said, “This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protecting communities from releases of hazardous waste, especially those already burdened by historical pollution. The Agency is also committed to leveling the playing field for companies that comply with federal law.”
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About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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