What is the cost of doing business? For many corporations, this commonly used phrase refers to overhead, operating expenses, and employees’ salaries in providing goods or services. But for some other manufacturers, fees and civil penalties due to improper storage can erode profit margins. Since the 1940s, a Minnesota company has been on the receiving end of more than $1 billion in fines for the misuse of perfluorochemicals. Most recently, the industrial giant was fined $80,000 for incorrectly storing barrels of hydrofluoric acid. The company has a less than stellar reputation for chemical storage. Government agencies have detected trace amounts of chemicals from the company in the county’s drinking water for the past 17 years. U.S. Hazmat Rentals flammable storage lockers can prevent recurring civil penalties. So far, the public backlash was fierce.
“$80,000 is an asinine penalty for the level of misconduct and irresponsibility that was displayed,” said Sen. Karla Bigham Thursday.
“(This company) has a duty to be a good environmental steward. In this instance, it failed, and the people of Cottage Grove and Washington County deserve and expect better from this company.”
Keith Franke of St. Paul Park and Tony Jurgens of Cottage Grove in a joint statement
Perfluorochemicals are most commonly used in non-stick cookware. Exposure to large amounts of PFCs may affect growth, development and liver function. As you could imagine, this manufacturer will have a tough time not letting this latest round of chemical misconduct “stick” to their reputation. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined the chemical manufacturer for incorrectly storing barrels of hydrofluoric acid prior to burning in its incinerator. U.S. Hazmat Rentals’ flammable storage lockers could’ve provided a safe, temporary storage solution for these dangerous chemicals. For only a fraction of the incurred civil penalties, we could’ve easily provided this company with steel-gauge protection.
Flammable storage lockers are equipped with easy-to-operate spill sump containment and fire suppression system
Our line of flammable storage cabinets is were innovation meets quality engineering. Unique shelving options and pallet storage allows for the easy storage and retrieval of large chemical drums. Each storage locker is also equipped with a continuous steel grated floor system that sits atop a spill sump container. In the event of a spill, the dangerous chemical will pass through the floor into the sump where it can be collect and disposed of at a later time. Fire-rated storage lockers are also outfitted with a dry chemical suppression system that can quickly douse flames should an errant spark turn into a full-fledged conflagration. Mechanical ventilation that exchanges large volumes of air can safely remove tiny particles and collection of fumes and gases that could cause an unexpected fire.
