EPA charges SUNY Downstate with federal hazardous waste violations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a legal complaint against SUNY Downstate Medical Center in East Flatbush, charging it with violating federal hazardous waste law.
The hospital must come into compliance with hazardous waste requirements and faces fines up to $156,710 for the improper management and storage of hazardous wastes in two buildings in its Brooklyn. EPA inspections found that the hospital had generated and stored chemical wastes in corroded and leaking containers, many of which the federal agency said were not properly labeled.
Calls and emails from the Eagle to SUNY Downstate were not returned by press time.
“Hospitals and research facilities should take steps to reduce the generation of hazardous waste, and ensure wastes are properly stored and handled,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “When not properly handled, hazardous wastes can pose a danger to employees and those living in the surrounding community.”