One of the world's largest metals and electronics recyclers has been fined $189,500 for breaking the federal Clean Water Act by polluting San Francisco Bay. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have fined Sims Metal Management, following the discovery that they had no protective covering on the conveyor moving scrap metals from its shredder onto ships. The metal dust was blowing off the top and into the Bay, which showed high levels of toxic metals including mercury, lead, copper, zinc and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
As well as the fine, Sims are required to investigate and clean up its pollution in the Bay, which could potentially cost several hundred thousand dollars. The company must conduct a sediment study to determine the extent of contamination from its conveyor operations. If the results show that they have caused pollution, then Sims will have to clean up the contamination.
From its facility at the Port of Redwood City, the company exports over 300,000 tons of scrap metals from recycled vehicles and other equipment each year to China and other global destinations.
For further information on your requirements under the federal Clean Water Act and other environmental legislation from around the world, sign up now for a 30-day free trial of C2P, our compliance knowledge management platform!
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