SAMR hit with $199,000 EPA fine

Supreme Asset Management and Recovery, [Lakewood, NJ:ed], has been fined $199,900 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the illegal export of non-working CRT monitors to Hong Kong in both 2007 and 2008, as well as "for failing to promptly respond to EPA's requests for information," according to the agency. SAMR had been the focus of a raid by the EPA and multiple law-enforcement agencies last October.

SAMR received the EPA fine under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, which forbids the export of certain CRTs unless the exporters notify, and receive, consent from the agency.

"This case demonstrates that the illegal export of electronic waste will be punished to the fullest extent of the law," said EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou.

The fine will become final, unless SAMR requests a hearing on the matter within 30 days, which the company has reportedly done.