SALEM, OR -- Two Oregon companies face fines totaling more than $120,000 for improperly disposing of hazardous waste.

According to Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, Patheon Development Services generated chlorinated solvent waste at its Bend pharmaceutical plant, but failed to accurately identify and report the waste as hazardous. It was then shipped out of state by ChemCare.

Without proper documentation, DEQ says the solvent was put in an Idaho landfill, where it could leach into groundwater and threaten drinking water resources and the environment. They say solvents can also release toxic compounds into the air. The material should’ve been disposed of in a specialized hazardous waste incinerator.  

Patheon was fined $59,890 and Univar USA Inc., ChemCare's parent company, was find another $60,948. A portion of Univar's penalty is also for operating a solid waste transfer facility in Portland without a DEQ permit. Both companies have until November 13 to appeal.