Vermont hospital faces steep EPA penalties
Hospital Safety Connection, August 17, 2005
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a large fine against the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in White River Junction, VT.
The EPA is seeking a penalty of $372,254-one of the biggest ever against a VA facility-because the hospital allegedly improperly handled and stored hazardous waste, according to the EPA. In particular, the EPA noted that the facility's clinical lab and pathology area didn't properly store containers of ether and picric acid, both of which are potentially explosive and shock-sensitive in certain situations.
EPA inspections of the hospital took place in June 2003 and April 2004. Since that time, the hospital has corrected the violations, a VA official told the Associated Press. The VA hopes to negotiate a decrease in the fine.
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