DNREC fines Beebe $10K on handling of hazardous waste

Following an inspection in March that found 11 code violations related to the handling of hazardous waste, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has fined Beebe Healthcare $10,000.

DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin issued an order Oct. 17.

The order says DNREC conducted a compliance inspection March 16 at the hospital’s location on Savannah Road in Lewes and found Beebe to be in violation of 11 state statutes and regulations governing the generation and management of hazardous waste. A little more than a month later, April 25, DNREC issued a notice of violation against Beebe, which received the notice April 28.

A majority of the violations were related to the mislabeling or non-labeling of hazardous waste. There was a violation cited for failure to maintain appropriate inspection records at the hospital’s garage/chemical shed. Another violation was related to Beebe’s hazardous materials and waste plan not having all required components, including an updated list for the emergency coordinator, a mandatory description of all emergency equipment and an evacuation plan.

“The nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the violations are significant,” said Garvin, in the order. “Failing to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements, including operating a hazardous waste storage facility without a permit and failing to make accurate hazardous waste determinations, are significant deviations from the statutory and regulatory requirements cited herein.”

According to the order, Beebe corrected 10 of the 11 violations prior to issuance of the violation notice. Additionally, Beebe submitted documentation May 10 to DNREC demonstrating that the remaining violation had been corrected.

In addition to the fine, Garvin’s order requires Beebe to pay $5,006 to cover the state’s costs incurred during the investigation.

Beebe has 30 days from the date of the issuance of the order to pay the total amount. It can also appeal the order within 20 days or request a public hearing within 30 days of its issuance.

It doesn’t appear the hospital is going to appeal or request a public hearing.

Ryan Marshall, Beebe Healthcare spokesperson, said the penalties were all for identified administrative processes that needed correction, and those items were remedied the same day or shortly thereafter.

“None of these involved environmental hazards that impacted safety of patients, staff, nor the community,” said Marshall in an email Nov. 1. “Safety is our paramount concern, and we are aligned with DNREC’s concerns for the environment.”