Meritus Issued $11,250 Penalty in 2024 for Hazardous Waste Violations

Last year, Meritus Health was fined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over hazardous waste management violations at the Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland. The agreed settlement, finalized in March 2024, imposes a civil penalty of $11,250 and mandates corrective actions to bring the facility into compliance with hazardous waste management regulations.

The EPA’s investigation, initiated after a compliance evaluation inspection in May 2023, uncovered several violations of both federal and Maryland hazardous waste management laws under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Key findings revealed that the facility, which operates as a large-quantity generator of hazardous waste, failed to adhere to regulations that ensure the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Among the most significant violations, inspectors found that containers in satellite accumulation areas were left open when hazardous waste was not being added or removed, violating regulations that require such containers to remain sealed to prevent spills or vapor emissions. Weekly inspections of hazardous waste accumulation areas were also neglected during several weeks in 2022, including in March, May, and June, indicating lapses in the hospital’s internal oversight mechanisms.

The facility’s contingency plan for emergencies was also deemed insufficient. It lacked crucial details, such as the designation of emergency coordinators and a comprehensive inventory of emergency equipment. Additionally, the EPA reported that employees handling hazardous waste were not provided adequate training, contravening requirements designed to ensure that personnel understand proper handling and safety protocols.

Further infractions included improper labeling and storage of universal waste, such as batteries and lamps. In some instances, batteries and lamps were found without proper dates or labels indicating their status as universal waste. Open boxes of universal waste lamps and a lack of tracking systems for accumulation times were also noted. These oversights raised concerns about potential environmental hazards and risks to public health.

Another violation involved the failure to conduct timely waste determinations. For example, waste personal protective equipment (PPE) used during pharmaceutical activities was improperly classified as non-hazardous without required evaluations. This misclassification could lead to improper disposal and environmental risks. In addition, the hospital submitted its 2019 biennial hazardous waste report 44 days late, violating reporting deadlines critical for regulatory compliance.

As part of the settlement, Meritus Health has agreed to pay the penalty and address these compliance issues. Corrective measures include updating waste management procedures, enhancing training programs, and improving facility-wide oversight to ensure adherence to both federal and state hazardous waste regulations. The hospital, which serves as a 300-bed acute care facility, waived its right to a hearing or appeal as part of the expedited settlement process.

The EPA emphasized that the settlement addresses only the violations listed in the agreement and does not preclude additional enforcement actions if further non-compliance is discovered.

Associated documents for this story are available in our Public Information Archive.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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