North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., has agreed to pay $40,000 in penalties for improper handling and disposal of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA discovered the violations as a result of inspections in April and May 2002. The agency issued a complaint alleging that North Shore hospital failed to determine if spent fluorescent bulbs and chemotherapy waste were hazardous prior to disposal. The agency said the hospital improperly documented the transportation of hazardous waste, improperly labeled storage drums, and failed to minimize risks of explosion, fire, and release.

As part of the settlement, the hospital has agreed to take steps to prevent the recurrence of violations.

For additional details, refer to the complete artical on EPA's Region 2 web site at North Shore Pays Fines For Violating Federal Hazardous Waste Handling Rules .