The state Department of Health issued a notice of violation with a penalty fine totaling $80,000 against the U.S. Navy Public Works Center Makalapa Compound for alleged violations of the state’s hazardous waste and used oil rules.

Makalapa Compound operates as a base yard for maintenance activities for Pearl Harbor Navy Region Hawaii.

Makalapa faces four counts of failure to make a hazardous waste determination and two counts of storage of hazardous waste without a permit.

During a routine inspection on August 31, 2011, health officials found Makalapa failed to make a hazardous waste determination for corrosive wastes generated during coil cleaning of refrigerant equipment and for wastes generated from the use of solvents containing methyl ethyl ketone and perchloroethylene.

These wastes were disposed of in the trash instead of handling them as hazardous wastes.  Makalapa also stored hazardous waste paints and fuels in open containers, thereby violating the requirements for a permit for storage of hazardous waste.  The Navy has 20 days to contest its notice of violation and request a hearing.

To protect Hawaii from pollutants that endanger people and the environment, the Department of Health regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes.  The department’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch promotes pollution prevention and waste minimization, develops partnerships with waste generators and the regulated community, guides the rehabilitation of contaminated lands, and aggressively enforces environmental laws.