Munce Precision Hard Chrome (the Site) is the location of a former metal working and plating business. The operation ceased in 2003 and hazardous plating wastes were never removed from the site. The site was purchased in 2009 with wastes still present in site buildings.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management performed hazardous waste inspections at the site, documented hazardous waste storage violations and has pursued corrective actions from current owner/operators. IDEM actions have included issuing notices of violations, offers to enter into agreed orders, the issuance of a Commissioner's Order, and the filing of a court complaint in Delaware County, Indiana. Delaware County Court ruled in favor of IDEM.
IDEM requested EPA assistance with hazardous wastes stored at the Site. EPA accompanied an IDEM hazardous waste inspection November 26, 2013 where IDEM and EPA met with the Site owner. The owner asserts limited chrome plating and rubber molding continues to be performed at the Site. IDEM documented continued hazardous waste violations and non-compliance with a court order and the IDEM administrative order it references. The Owner denied EPA access to the property for the purposes of conducting a Site Assessment.
Civil enforcement actions will continue under the IDEM hazardous waste program. An EPA removal assessment should be re-evaluated if conditions change, including: exhaustion of hazardous waste enforcement mechanisms, changes in site ownership, or change in access for an EPA site assessment.
