EQ accepts fine for Apex violations
State officials and the company whose Apex hazardous waste site erupted in a ball of fire and displaced thousands last October reached an agreement that will void the company’s permit to operate in North Carolina.
Environmental Quality has agreed to pay $441,944 for five violations of state hazardous waste regulations discovered in the investigation of the explosion. EQ also agreed to give up its right to store hazardous waste in the state, said Cathy Akroyd, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
A state investigation found that the company had not reported incidents involving chemical reactions, fires and waste releases. The fine is lower than the $553,225 fine the state initially imposed on EQ in March.
“We are pleased that we were able to reach a negotiated and mutually agreed upon settlement with DENR,” EQ Vice President Scott Maris said in a news release. In addition to the state fine, EQ has paid $200,000 to the town of Apex to cover expenses there.
Read More:News & Observer
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