A Redmond painting firm has corrected past environmental violations, but will pay a $47,330 fine for having allowed the non-compliance to occur.

Washington Department of Ecology inspectors found 26 violations of dangerous waste regulations at the Dunkin & Bush Inc. regional shop at 17301 N.E. 70th St. during site visits in February 2014 and May 2013. Dunkin & Bush has since cooperated with Ecology and come into compliance with the regulations.

The company collects and stores toxic and flammable leftover paint and solvents at the facility. Improper handling of dangerous chemicals can expose workers, the public and the environment to safety and health hazards.

The violations at Dunkin & Bush included not properly labeling dangerous waste containers, not keeping the containers closed, keeping waste on site for too long, and not checking the management of waste weekly.

“We welcome Dunkin & Bush’s efforts to comply with Washington’s hazardous waste requirements,” said K Seiler, program manager of Ecology’s Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program. “It is important to ensure fair and consistent compliance with these safety, health and environmental protections industry-wide.”

Ecology originally set the penalty at $71,000, but Dunkin & Bush entered into an expedited settlement agreement to reduce the recommended penalty by one-third. In doing so the company waived its right to appeal the penalty. The settlement saves the state, taxpayers, and Dunkin & Bush the expense of appeal litigation.

“We are committed to complying with applicable regulations intended to protect public health, safety and the environment,” said Dunkin & Bush Vice President Tom Dunkin III. “Toward this goal, we have improved our hazardous waste management program. We appreciate the opportunity to avoid litigation, saving the state, the taxpayers and Dunkin & Bush the related cost.”