CARSON : Arco Target of Eight Hazardous Waste Charges
The Atlantic Richfield Co. has been charged with eight violations of state hazardous waste laws in storing and disposing of 3.4 million gallons of oily liquids from its Carson refinery. If convicted, Arco could face tens of millions of dollars in fines.
Arco said the complaint was “completely without merit,” adding that recent federal court decisions had invalidated the rule on which the state based its lawsuit. Arco also denied that the material was hazardous waste.
The complaint, filed by the state Department of Toxic Substances Control in Los Angeles Superior Court, charges that Arco started storing the oily residue and sludge as early as December, 1985. The law forbids hazardous waste storage for more than 90 days without a permit.
Arco also improperly failed to list the material as hazardous waste on shipping manifests, the complaint said, and used unlicensed haulers for 536 shipments. But it said there was little or no health risk.
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