Federal inspectors say cleanup of toxic chemicals is under way at a pharmaceutical plant, but the company has not told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency it would comply with a federal cleanup order.
“We would prefer [Consolidated Pharmaceuticals Inc. was] in compliance with the order, but we are pleased with the progress [it is] making in getting the materials off the site,” said EPA spokesman David Sternberg.
Chemicals and antibiotics were removed from the Robinwood Road facility in Brooklyn Park despite the company blowing off the Tuesday deadline for the order.
So far, the company has removed a leaking tank of hydrochloric acid that has a dangerously high acidity, Sternberg said. That tank was supposed to be removed last week, and the company missed two deadlines to do so.
A Dumpster of antibiotics also has been removed, with the company?s promises to the EPA to take away more chemicals and antibiotics by the end of the week.
Sternberg also said a 24-hour fire watch has been posted at the facility, per the federal order. It is the building?s faulty fire system that sparked the investigation.
County fire officials said a fire at the facility would be catastrophic, because the fire alarm and sprinkler system are inoperable, and not enough foam in the area is available to quell a fire at the building.
“I would say [the inspectors] seem pretty satisfied,” Sternberg said.
Charles Schaller, attorney for the company, did not return calls made to his Annapolis office.
“It is our intent to bring the company into compliance with the order,” Sternberg said.
The order, issued by the EPA last month, said noncompliance could be punished with a $32,500 daily fine. Sternberg would not say if the company would be fined.
