MassDEP Penalizes Ophir Optics $12,430 for Hazardous
Waste Management Violations in North Andover and Wilmington

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized Ophir Optics Inc. $12,430 for generating hazardous waste in excess of its registered status at both its current North Andover location, and its former facility in Wilmington. 

Ophir Optics, which relocated in January of 2008, manufactures infra-red optics for military, commercial and industrial markets, and generates a variety of hazardous wastes, including flammable and ignitable materials.

"One of the essential requirements for the safe handling, storage and shipping of hazardous waste is that a facility has the right plans and procedures in place," said Richard Chalpin, director of MassDEP's Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington. "But without follow-through, and continued compliance with the hazardous waste management regulations, a facility can quickly put residents and workers at risk." 

On August 24, 2008, MassDEP inspected Ophir's current manufacturing facility on 1600 Osgood Street and found that Ophir failed to keep shipping record manifests on site. Inspectors also found Ophir failed to have an emergency and a personnel training plan, to seal and properly label hazardous waste containers, and to submit biennial reports as required.
 
Ophir Optics also avoided payment to MassDEP for compliance assurance fees as a large quantity generator of hazardous wastes for the years 2006 through 2008.

Ophir Optics has agreed to bring the facility back into compliance with all applicable regulations and pay $12,430 as an administrative penalty; $10,540 of the penalty is for delinquent hazardous waste compliance assurance fees.

###