Pharmaceutical giant Genentech is facing the consequences of its environmental violations at a former plant in South San Francisco, having reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay a hefty fine of $158,208. The fine stems from a 2021 inspection of the now-closed facility, during which several breaches of hazardous waste disposal regulations were identified.
Genentech’s Environmental Violations
- EPA inspection revealed violations by Genentech at South San Francisco plant.
- Infractions included storing hazardous waste without required permit.
- Critical violation raises concerns about environment and community risks.
- Inadequate monitoring of air emissions worsens the situation.
The EPA inspection uncovered a series of violations committed by Genentech at its South San Francisco plant. Among the infractions, the company was found to have stored hazardous waste without the necessary permit, a critical violation that raises concerns about the potential risks posed to both the environment and local communities. Additionally, the failure to adequately monitor air emissions from these materials further compounds the severity of the situation.
The inspection also revealed that overfill protection controls for a hazardous waste tank were not properly maintained, underscoring the significance of consistent equipment upkeep in preventing environmental hazards. Disturbingly, the manifests detailing the waste failed to include crucial federal waste codes, indicating potential inaccuracies or incomplete information that could affect proper disposal processes.
The plant in question has acted as the base for launching 14 molecules and was set up in the late 1970s.
EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman emphasized the gravity of Genentech’s non-compliance with hazardous waste storage and monitoring requirements.
“By neglecting these critical protocols, the company inadvertently endangered the well-being of its workers and surrounding communities,” Guzman said.
Despite the EPA’s findings and subsequent fine, Genentech has not yet issued an official response.
While grappling with the repercussions of the South San Francisco plant violations, Genentech is actively pursuing a new direction in its production capabilities. The company has turned its focus to a state-of-the-art launch center in Oceanside, California, as part of its efforts to meet production needs.
This $450 million plant is designed to be “essentially a replica” of the South San Francisco site, according to Nazeli Dertsakian, the vice president and general manager of Oceanside biologics operations. The expected timeline for teh new facility to be up and running is by 2024. The move underscores Genentech’s commitment to innovative and sustainable practices, even in the wake of environmental challenges.
The recent fine imposed has acted as a deterrent to ensure that similar companies in the sector adhere to regulatory and safety protocols in the future. With Greentech on the hook, other pharmaceutical manufacturers are on the lookout as well.
