EPA Settles with Edwards Lifesciences over Hazardous Waste Claims at Irvine Facility

EPA Settles with Edwards Lifesciences over Hazardous Waste Claims at Irvine Facility

November 13, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Edwards Lifesciences LLC over claims of violations of hazardous waste regulations at the company's facility located in Irvine, California. Under the settlement, Edwards Lifesciences will pay a civil penalty of $250,000 and certify it's in full compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

"We will hold companies accountable if they fail to properly manage dangerous substances. It's a clear matter of public safety," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "This settlement with Edwards Lifesciences helps protect workers, the community, and the environment in the greater Los Angeles region."

Edwards Lifesciences makes medical devices at its Irvine facility, where it also generates hazardous waste that is temporarily stored on-site. In September 2021, the EPA inspected the facility. After further investigation, the EPA found that the company violated air emission standards under RCRA. The company did not follow rules for hazardous waste storage tanks, lacked a proper leak detection and secondary containment system, and failed to record daily inspections of a hazardous waste tank. Additionally, the company did not comply with hazardous waste air emissions standards, failing to monitor a tank for fugitive solvent emissions.

When released, solvents emit volatile organic compounds, which can combine with nitrogen oxides in sunlight to create ground-level ozone, a major part of smog. This ozone harms the environment by damaging crops and ecosystems. It can also cause or worsen respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis in people. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases and reduce lung function.

Hazardous waste that is improperly managed poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, passed in 1976, was established to set up a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste.The act requires effective monitoring and control of air emissions from hazardous waste storage tanks, pipes, valves, and other equipment. These emissions can cause adverse health and environmental effects as well as contribute to climate change.

Learn more about EPA's enforcement programand how to reportpossible violations of environmental laws and regulations to the EPA.

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