California firm fined $68,000 fine for hazardous air shipment

The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $68,000 civil penalty against City of Industry, Calif.-based Unical Aviation for allegedly violating the nation’s hazardous materials rules.    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday proposed a $68,000 civil penalty against City of Industry, Calif.-based Unical Aviation for allegedly violating the nation’s hazardous materials regulations.
   The FAA alleges on July 21, Unical “knowingly offered undeclared hazardous material shipments” to FedEx for air transport to Lenexa, Kan. The shipment contained three protective breathing equipment units, each of which contained an oxygen generator chemical. The chemical is an oxidizer, which can cause or enhance the combustion of other materials, the agency explained.
   The FAA also alleges the shipment was “not accompanied by shipping papers describing the type or quantity of the hazardous materials, was not properly packaged, marked or labeled as containing hazardous materials,” and noted Unical didn’t provide emergency response information with the shipment.
   The FAA said Unical has requested to meet with the agency to discuss the case.