Federal and state officials have taken action against two O'ahu companies for violating various health and environmental laws.

The EnvEco-Feeds Inc. has been ordered to pay $53,800 as a result of its operation of an open dump at a piggery operation in Wai'anae, according to the state Health Department.

Officials said the dump contained nonedible waste consisting of pineapple tops, plastic utensils and containers, rubber truck seals, wood scrap and metal scrap, all of which were separated from edible food waste for swine meal.

The department filed a notice and finding of violation and order against the company for the violation at 87-881 'Ili'ili Road, Wai'anae.

The Health Department issued a warning letter to the facility on May 11. Eco-Feeds failed to respond to the warning letter and implement any corrective action.

The state imposed a penalty of $53,800 and ordered Eco-Feeds to cease and desist from operating an open dump and to lawfully dispose of all solid waste. Eco-Feeds may request a hearing to contest the allegations or order.

An open dump is an un-permitted solid waste disposal facility that is without environmental controls. Companies that generate solid waste are required by state law to properly dispose of it at solid waste facilities with a permit from the state Health Department. Violators of state solid waste laws and regulations may be subject to administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation.

The ABC Corp. of Waipahu has agreed to pay $52,000 to the federal Environmental Protection Agency for allegedly distributing an antimicrobial disinfectant that failed effectiveness testing — a violation of federal pesticide laws — the federal agency announced.

In March 2005, the state Department of Agriculture inspected the ABC facility and collected samples of Fresh and Clean, produced through an agreement with Lonza Inc., of Allendale, N.J.

Test results found the product was ineffective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and did not meet its labeling claim of being suitable for hospital use. Once notified of the failure, ABC stopped distributing the product.

"Hospital disinfectants must meet specific efficacy requirements, which Fresh and Clean does not," said Katherine Taylor, associate director of the Communities and Ecosystems Division for the EPA's Pacific Southwest region.

"If claims are made and the product fails testing for its effectiveness, the company can expect significant penalties," Taylor said.

Disinfectants are considered pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, which regulates the production, distribution and use of pesticides within the United States. Before selling or distributing any pesticide in the U.S., a company must register it with the EPA and ensure the pesticide meets claims made on its label.