A company that makes food supplements for the dairy industry agreed to pay $70,000 for alleged violations of federal hazardous waste regulations, reported the Arizona DEQ.

As alleged by DEQ, inspections of the Eloy-based company uncovered a ton of calcium oxide stored in a Dumpster, where it was exposed to rain three times in 2005. When exposed to water, calcium oxide undergoes a chemical reaction that releases heat.

The Dumpster also contained a variety of combustible materials, according to DEQ, and when the calcium oxide ignited in August 2005, a fire resulted. While responding to the fire, members of the Eloy Fire Department said they saw large amounts of calcium oxide stored outdoors, including in a water-retention basin, asserted DEQ.

DEQ inspected the site 2 days later, but two more fires occurred the following month before the company took steps to store the calcium oxide in a safe, dry place.

The company mixes the calcium oxide with palm oil to produce cattle feed.

[Source: Environmental Manager's Compliance Advisor. Subscribe today!]