News Release

T – 14 – 14
Miriam Barcellona Ingenito, Acting Director

Contact: Russ Edmondson
(916) 323-3372
Russ.Edmondson@dtsc.ca.gov

DTSC Takes Enforcement Action Against Buttonwillow Landfill

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) resolved an enforcement action today against Clean Harbors hazardous waste landfill facility in Buttonwillow.

Clean Harbors spilled waste near the facility’s Stabilization Treatment Unit driveway, which is where hazardous waste is combined with other materials in order to reduce toxicity and stabilize the waste. Soil samples taken in this area contained hazardous levels of zinc and chromium.

The facility was also penalized for cleaning soil near the Stabilization Treatment Unit driveway before DTSC could sample it because of miscommunication between Clean Harbors employees. DTSC found these violations during 2013 inspections.

Clean Harbors will pay $38,250 in penalties. As part of the settlement, Clean Harbors will immediately maintain and operate the Stabilization Treatment Unit to prevent any unplanned release of hazardous waste. Clean Harbors staff have also been trained in proper procedures during inspections as part of the agreement.

Clean Harbors is a commercial California landfill facility permitted to dispose of or treat and store hazardous waste. The facility is located in Kern County, in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been in operation since 1981.

View the Consent Order.

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FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control by phone at (800) 728-6942 or visit www.dtsc.ca.gov. To report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, call the Waste Alert Hotline at (800) 698-6942.