In 2009, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality fined and closed two landfill sites dedicated to construction and demolition waste materials in Coteau, outside the city of Baton Rouge. In a legal case that has lasted several years, it is now expected that the owner of the land and facility will have to pay in excess of two hundred thousand dollars to settle all charges before re-opening its doors.

Violation incurred by Gordon’s Disposal will result in a fine close to seventy four thousand dollars and violations at the nearby David Trahan Construction and Demolition landfill will result in fines totaling one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Both landill and recycling locations were repeatedly cited for environmental and safety regulations by the State and regional Environmental Protection Agency prior to being closed. Typical infractions that lead to site closure often include a failure to provide annual reporting to the state agency, lack of safety controls and measures for employees, infrequent or disregarding the need for routine testing of contaminants in the soil, air, and water surrounding the facility, and poor record-keeping.

Closure of a waste and recycling location is often an extreme measure that is taken only after years of disregard and non-compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Think it might be easier and less expensive to ignore the environmental laws that pose a challenge to your business? Ignoring regulations  such as record keeping, routine testing, and providing adequate safety measures might work for a short time, but in the long-run non-compliance will catch up with you! Play it smart and learn the waste and recycling rules that apply to your business. Once you know exactly what you need to do, you’ll be better equipped to find the best solutions.