EPA fines Fernley hazardous waste facility $79,500

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

RENO -- Federal environmental regulators have fined a Nevada company $79,500 for mishandling the storage of hazardous waste at a facility in Fernley.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the fine late Wednesday against 21st Century Environmental Management of Nevada, LLC.

EPA officials said they uncovered a series of federal violations during an inspection in 2010. Among other things, they found hazardous waste being stored in unpermitted areas, in cracked and deteriorated containment areas and in at least one leaking container.

EPA cited the company under its Resource Conservation and Recovery Act program. It requires hazardous substances to be stored and disposed of in a way that safeguards public health and the environment.