Pa. DEP Finds Problems with Trash Transporters

All of the violations were against haulers, not the landfill facilities.

“We continue to see unsafe trucks traveling on our roadways,” Orlando said. “We have increased our inspections to get the word out about compliance with safety and environmental regulations to ensure public health and safety.”

The DEP inspection is part of an ongoing effort to improve the safety of trucks hauling waste in Pennsylvania. Act 90, a new law that governs trash haulers, requires authorization from DEP to haul waste in Pennsylvania.

“We take a look at their compliance history and if we find outstanding violations or an inability to comply with regulations, we can revoke authorization,” Orlando said. “DEP and state police will continue to monitor these companies closely.”

In addition to checking on the Act 90 authorization, DEP inspectors look for signage violations; drivers who do not properly manage waste during transportation; fire extinguisher violations; leaking loads; improper covers over waste; overweight trucks; and log book or record-keeping violations. State police and the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) check the trucks for proper operation of safety equipment, including brakes and tire conditions.

During inspections this week, DEP inspectors found a total of 45 violations and issued 14 citations, 22 written warnings, two verbal warnings and seven notices of violations (NOVs). Violations included problems with signs, leaks, waste containment, waste logs, waste enclosures, fire extinguishers and Act 90 authorization stickers.

This regional program is done in addition to the statewide “trashnet” inspections that are done in conjunction with police and PennDOT.

For more information on waste issues, visit DEP’s homepage at www.state.pa.us.