"United to Pay $850,000 Fine to Resolve SFO Waste Violations"

Monday, July 12, 2004

United to Pay to Resolve Waste Violations
United Airlines to Pay $850,000 in San Francisco Hazardous Waste Settlement
The Associated Press


SAN FRANCISCO - United Airlines Inc. has agreed to pay $850,000 to resolve
hazardous waste violations at its aircraft maintenance facility at San
Francisco International Airport, federal officials said Monday. 

In 1999 and 2001, inspectors with the Environmental Protection Agency found
"widespread violations" of state and federal hazardous waste laws at the
United facility, which employs about 5,200 people, according to the EPA.

EPA officials allege that United failed to close hazardous waste containers,
improperly labeled waste containers and stored waste beyond allowable
limits. The airline also operates a hub at the airport.

United, based in Elk Grove Village, Ill., didn't admit wrongdoing, but
agreed to pay the civil penalty because "it avoids the more costly and
time-consuming option of litigation," company spokesman Stephan Roth said
Monday.

United agreed to pay $550,000 to the EPA and $300,000 to the California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Roth said.

As part of the settlement, United agreed to work with the EPA to develop a
process to comply with environmental regulations at the San Francisco
facility.


 Do you have an opinion about this story?
Share it with other readers in our CAA Discussion Forums

http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php


*****************************************