BELLINGHAM, WA – (KGMI.com) PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham is being fined for repeatedly violating the state’s dangerous waste laws.
The Washington State Department of Ecology announced on Tuesday, October 31st, that they are penalizing the hospital $21,000.
Ecology says PeaceHealth has had longstanding issues with safely managing their dangerous waste, dating back to a past fine for similar violations in 2018.
An inspection last year found the hospital failed to properly train staff in dangerous waste management, consistently inspect and document waste storage areas, and submit required reports to Ecology.
The department says dangerous waste includes materials that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic.
The waste can quickly become a safety issue and even release toxic fumes or cause explosions in some cases.
PeaceHealth has 30 days to pay the penalty or appeal it to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.