HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced a judgment on Friday against three New Haven companies and their operator to resolve allegations they violated the state's hazardous waste and air pollution control laws.
Suraci Incorporated, Suraci Metal Finishing LLC, Suraci Paint & Powder Coating LLC and Bruno Suraci, Jr., the company's operator, must pay close to $750,000 in civil penalties for allegedly producing hazardous waste and failing to comply with laws regulating the waste. Suraci allegedly exposed employees, the public and the environment to serious risk during the course of his companies' metal finishing work.
Jepsen's office further alleged the defendants failed to comply with air pollution control regulations to limit emissions from equipment in operation at the companies' two sites.
"Hazardous waste violations are no small matter," Jepsen said. "Failure to properly manage dangerous substances exposes the public and the environment to potential risks. This is a significant judgment and should serve as a warning that those who engage in this kind of conduct will be held responsible for their actions."
Jepsen's office filed a lawsuit against the companies and Suraci for allegedly failing to store and label materials properly, failing to obtain proper state and federal permits, failing to conduct inspections, failing to separate incompatible waste materials and failing to properly train and certify employees.
The court ordered the defendants to pay close to $750,000 in total to resolve the allegations, including $700,000 in civil penalties for hazardous waste management violations, $33,500 in civil penalties for air pollution control regulation violations and a $10,000 penalty for failing to obtain a Title V emissions permit. The court also granted injunctive relief that requires the defendants to comply with all environmental laws going forward.
Conn. AG reaches pollution settlement with New Haven companies
