May 27, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 241

Contacts: Karen G. J’Anthony, Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Branch, 302-739-9403; or Melinda Carl, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DNREC Secretary Issues Notice of $10,000 Penalty to Playtex
Products for Hazardous Waste Violations at Dover Facility 

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara has issued a Notice of Administrative Penalty Assessment and Secretary’s Order to Playtex Products, Inc., for violations of Delaware’s laws and regulations governing hazardous waste management at its manufacturing plant in Dover. The order includes a cash penalty of $10,000 and an additional $1,500 as cost recovery reimbursement to the department for expenses associated with its investigation.

The Playtex Dover facility and quality assurance laboratory located at 50 North DuPont Highway generates hazardous waste as a result of quality assurance testing of its products, which include feminine, skin and infant care products.

During a compliance assessment on Sept. 4, 2008, the Department identified 14 violations of Delaware’s Regulations Governing Hazardous Waste. The violations include storing leaking containers of hazardous waste, storing hazardous waste in open containers, improperly labeling containers of hazardous waste, failing to make a hazardous waste determination, and failing to conduct weekly inspections of hazardous waste accumulation areas, in addition to other violations. Hazardous waste materials included waste methanol, damaged lead acid batteries and various liquid and solid hazardous wastes. On Sept. 24, 2008, the Department issued a notice of violation to Playtex Products, Inc., addressing these issues.  

Playtex Products, Inc. has 30 days to request a public hearing before the order becomes final.