The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined Columbia Helicopters $27,600 for hazardous waste violations at its Arndt Road facility in Aurora.

The violations included failing to make hazardous waste determinations and failing to properly manage hazardous waste. During inspections on Jan. 18 and Jan. 23, 2017, a DEQ inspector saw a number of containers that were not correctly labeled as hazardous waste and were not marked with accumulation dates. Columbia Helicopters also failed to perform timely hazardous waste determinations on residues it generated and also stored hazardous waste in excess of the allowable 90-day limit.

The company which operates a helicopter repair, maintenance and service facility is categorized as a large quantity generator because it generates 2,200 pounds or more of hazardous waste in a month.

To protect public health and the environment, DEQ’s rules set strict requirements for the accumulation, storage handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste.

Columbia Helicopters has until Jan. 28, 2018 to appeal the fine.