Breaking Bad | Skyler's Car Wash Trickery (Bill Burr, Ana Gunn)

Summary

An inspector informs Miss Wallace that her wastewater and filtration system is contaminating the environment with hazardous chemicals such as ammonia, acetone, benzene, and nitrobenzene. Despite Miss Wallace's insistence that her business is environmentally friendly, the inspector highlights that the issue lies in the filtration system and potential leaching into groundwater. She is told that commercial activity must be suspended until the contamination levels are addressed and lowered to meet legal standards. The inspector cites specific laws, including the New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act of 1978 and the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976.

Takeaways

• 🚫 The facility is accused of polluting with contaminants like ammonia, acetone, benzene, and nitrobenzene.
• 💧 The issue is not with the soap but with the filtration system, which may be leaching contaminants into the groundwater.
• 🔨 The facility is advised to retrofit or replace the filtration system to prevent further pollution.
• 💸 The cost of not addressing the issue could be up to $200,000 in fines.
• 📅 The facility may experience downtime of four to five weeks if immediate action is taken.
• 📋 A list of approved vendors can be provided to help with the necessary repairs.
• 🛑 All commercial activity must be suspended until pollution levels meet mandated minimums.
• 📚 The New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act of 1978 is cited as the legal basis for the shutdown.
• 🏢 The EPA could also take action under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976.
• 📞 The facility has the option to file an appeal against the shutdown.

Q & A

What is the main issue Miss Wallace is facing?

Miss Wallace is facing a contamination issue with her wastewater, runoff gutters, and potential leaching into the groundwater due to a faulty filtration system.

What contaminants were found in Miss Wallace's wastewater?

The contaminants found include ammonia, acetone, benzene, and nitrobenzene.

What is the minimum action required to address the issue?

The minimum action required is to retrofit the filtration system. However, a complete replacement might be necessary if the system is found to be leaking into the groundwater.

What is the estimated cost for the required changes?

The estimated cost for the required changes is two hundred thousand dollars.

What is the consequence if Miss Wallace does not resolve the issue?

Miss Wallace is required to suspend all commercial activity until the contamination levels meet the mandated minimums.

What assistance is offered to Miss Wallace to help with the issue?

A list of approved vendors can be provided to help Miss Wallace get the necessary work done immediately.

How long is the estimated downtime if Miss Wallace starts the work immediately?

The estimated downtime should not be more than four to five weeks if work begins immediately.

What legal act is Miss Wallace being cited under for the hazardous waste?

Miss Wallace is being cited under the New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act of 1978, Section 74, Chapter 4, Part 13.

What is the penalty for violating the New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act of 1978?

The penalty is a fine of not more than five thousand dollars for each day the violation occurs.

Is there another law that could be applied to Miss Wallace's situation?

Yes, the EPA can also cite her under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, U.S. Code Title 15, Chapter 53, Subchapter 1, Section 2606.

What is the specific section of the law that Miss Wallace is being held accountable for?

The specific section is Section 2606 of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, which deals with the disposal of hazardous substances.