EPA sues Utah firm for breaching environmental legislation

A breach of environmental legislation has resulted in a complaint being filed against a Utah company by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Parish Chemical, of Vineyard, Utah, allegedly failed to comply with federal law regulating the management and storage of hazardous wastes.

Eddie Sierra, EPA's assistant regional administrator for enforcement in Denver, said that the neglect discovered at the firm represents a continuing threat to the safety of employees, nearby residents and the environment.

"Our goal is to compel this company to comply with all applicable environmental and health and safety requirements," he stated.

The complaint seeks to oblige the facility to adhere to federal law or face civil penalties for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its regulations, which include the state hazardous waste programme.

In related news, the EPA recently fined an Alaskan firm $120,000 (£72,000) for damaging water quality at a local lead and zinc mine.

Written by Claire Manning