EPA settles with Enchanted Parks, Inc., for chemical reporting violations

Enchanted Parks, Inc., reached a $7,000 settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to properly report on chemicals stored and handled at the company’s popular Enchanted Village water park near I-5 in Federal Way.

In addition to the penalty, Enchanted Parks also agreed to pay over $14,000 for emergency response equipment for the South King Fire and Rescue Department.

From 2001 - 2004, Enchanted Parks failed to file proper chemical inventory reports with the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and local fire department. These reporting failures violated the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

According to Mike Bussell, Director of EPA’s Office of Compliance & Enforcement in Seattle, planning and preparedness laws help save lives.

“These laws help communities prepare for and safely respond to chemical accidents,” Bussell said. “They also help reduce the likelihood and severity of accidental chemical releases that could harm the public and the environment.”

At its Federal Way facility, Enchanted Parks uses and stores Sodium Hypochlorite (a disinfectant), bleach and Hydrochloric Acid. Sodium Hypochlorite and Hydrochloric Acid are listed as hazardous substances under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Hydrochloric Acid must be handled with appropriate safety precautions because it is a highly corrosive liquid.