Fine Proposed for Chemical Plant
State health officials have proposed that a $74,500 fine be levied for a Carson chemical manufacturer, citing the company for 13 infractions of state law, including unsafe storage of hazardous wastes.
Turco Products and its parent company, ATOCHEM North America, were cited last week in connection with a state Department of Health Services investigation of the chemical maker’s South Main Street plant in November.
The health agency said 19 drums of hazardous waste had been kept in an unauthorized storage area for more than 90 days and that one of the drums had leaked, creating a large puddle. The storage area lacked a barrier to contain the spillage, the agency said.
Turco, which has been shutting down its operations over the last two years, has appealed the proposed fine.
Health officials will discuss the appeal with Turco. If an agreement is not reached, the state agency will submit the matter to an administrative law judge, a Department of Health Services spokesman said Wednesday.
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