State: Waste mishandled by metal firm
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – A local metal coating and engraving company has been fined $32,000.
Spokane Galvanizing, was fined $32,000 by the state Department of Ecology for mishandling dangerous waste and contaminating soils.
The company, known for galvanizing steel by cleaning and etching the metal with corrosive chemicals and acids before coating it in hot zinc, failed to manage waste properly, Ecology officials said. A June 2023 inspection revealed that Spokane Galvanizing had allowed corrosive waste to spill outside its facility, posing a risk to both soil and groundwater, officials said.
“For the safety of our communities and the environment, it is essential for businesses to follow Washington’s dangerous waste regulations,” said Elaine Snouwaert, Ecology’s Eastern Region hazardous waste and toxics reduction section manager. “Better oversight and training could have prevented these spills of corrosive waste at Spokane Galvanizing.”
In response, Spokane Galvanizing has cleaned up the spills, addressed the issues and implemented measures to comply with state regulations, firm officials said
“Spokane Galvanizing took immediate action to address the issues identified during the inspection,” the company said. “Furthermore, company policies and procedures were updated, and additional training was provided to personnel.”
Spokane Galvanizing has 30 days to pay the fine or appeal to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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