As part of an ongoing national crackdown, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on November 7 that three universities in New York and New Jersey face a total of more than $1.1million in penalties for alleged violations of state and federal regulations for disposal of hazardous waste.
The complaint against Columbia University carries the highest penalty of $797,029, most of which stems from charges that the school failed to minimize the risk of fire, explosion or the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment. Long Island University was fined $219,883 on charges of improper storage and labeling of hazardous wastes such as mercury, organic solvents, picric acid, spent fluorescent light bulbs and used computer monitors. New Jersey City University faces $88,344 in penalties for allegations that it did not train employees in proper hazardous waste management and emergency procedures, as well as other violations of state regulations.
In a statement, ...
