The University has sent a letter of compliance to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality promising to correct violations that resulted in a $3,600 fine for improper hazardous waste disposal.
According to reports obtained from DEQ, the fine resulted from hazardous waste violations found during a three-day inspection in October 2004.
State DEQ inspector Susan Shewczyk said the University has been very progressive about prevention and reduction of hazardous waste but “needs to focus on some of the little things.”
Some of those little things, Shewczyk said, include burning lead paint filters in the pottery kiln in the art building, unlabeled paint waste cans and expired chemicals in various departments.
Because the University generates more than 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per month, the DEQ is required to conduct an inspection at least once every five years.
Shewczyk said she believes the violations were not intentional but may have resulted from a lack of attention to detail.
A notice was sent to Coots and Randolph Geller, Director of Policy and Legal Affairs, by certified mail from the DEQ dated Dec. 10, 2004.
University public affairs officer Pauline Austin was on vacation and unable to comment and Environmental Health and Safety director Kay Coots was also unavailable.
Shewczyk said the University has promptly sent a reply which details the manner in which the violations will be or have been corrected. However, Shewczyk said no additional inspection will be scheduled to determine whether the University has complied with the notice.
The University now has the option to pay the $3,600 fine or request a hearing.
Shewczyk said it is always a possibility that the fine could be reduced or waived at the University’s request.
“Every facility has the opportunity to meet with us and tell us what they’re doing to get into compliance,” Shewczyk said.