Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Stephen Mikkelson, 218-855-5001 Brainerd, Minn. -- Prefinishing Specialists Inc., a wood finishing company in Avon, has agreed to pay $12,082 for alleged hazardous waste and air quality violations. The violations were discovered during Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff inspections in February 2007. The hazardous waste violations include improper storage and labeling of wastes, insufficient cleaning of equipment, and failing to have a required alarm and communication system in the facility's chemical storage area. The air quality violations include incomplete internal safety inspections and record keeping, and lack of a required equipment operation and maintenance plan. In addition to paying the civil penalty, the company has already completed a series of actions to ensure they are complying with the terms of their hazardous waste and air quality permits. Proper handling and storage of hazardous materials is important for protecting Minnesota's land, water and air quality. The MPCA offers training and other educational materials to businesses and local units of government so that they understand and can abide by environmental regulations. When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violation affected the environment, whether it is a first time or repeat violation, and how promptly the violation was reported to appropriate authorities. It also attempts to recover the calculated economic benefit gained by failure to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner. For a comprehensive list of enforcement actions by the MPCA, refer to the agency Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/newscenter/enforcement.html.