Westinghouse has finalized a Consent Agreement and Final Order (Agreement) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address an issue raised in July 2019 related to the labeling, storage, and processing of perchloroethylene (PCE) at the Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility (CFFF). The issue was found following inspections by the company and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Control (SCDHEC).
The Agreement addresses the past issues regarding storage, handling and processing of PCE-containing materials which resulted in the payment of a civil penalty. The Agreement also approves an innovative method Westinghouse designed to complete onsite processing of legacy PCE materials. In November 2019, the SCDHEC and EPA conducted a site inspection and found no additional deficiencies in the hazardous waste program. In April 2020, Westinghouse fully eliminated the use of new PCE.
The prompt and comprehensive actions taken to date on the PCE issue demonstrates Westinghouse’s commitment to complete transparency, a willingness to stop operations when there are regulatory compliance-related questions or concerns, and a desire to go beyond what is required by the regulations.
In recent years, Westinghouse has invested over $80 million into CFFF to improve operations, maintenance, and safety standards throughout the facility. We remain committed to protecting the health and safety of our employees, our community, and the environment. Westinghouse continues to work closely with the EPA, SCDHEC, and other agencies that regulate site operations.