DNREC issues penalty order to St. Francis Hospital
of Wilmington for air quality record-keeping violations 

DOVER (Dec. 3, 2012) – DNREC Secretary  Collin O’Mara has issued a Notice of Administrative Penalty Assessment and Secretary’s Order to St. Francis Hospital for violations of state and federal air quality regulations, state statute and its air permit. The order calls for a cash penalty of $21,860 and an additional $3,279 as cost recovery reimbursement to DNREC for expenses associated with the department’s investigation.

The order, however, offers to St. Francis the option of suspending $10,000 of the penalty on the condition that it comply with the order and engage in no future violations of state or federal law. If violations occur, St. Francis will be required to pay the $10,000.

St. Francis Hospital is located at 701 North Clayton Street in Wilmington where it provides medical services including surgery and emergency care, in addition to hosting office space for several medical practices.

The Secretary’s Order addresses numerous air quality recordkeeping violations that were discovered during a February 7, 2012 inspection. Each violation is cited in the penalty order, which can be found on the DNREC website at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Info/Pages/SecOrders_Enforcement.aspx.

St. Francis Hospital has 30 days to request a public hearing.

Vol. 42, No. 641