PORTLAND (AP) – The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed a $107,165 fine against the Maine College of Art for violating rules governing hazardous wastes.

The agency said the Portland school put its staff and students at risk by failing to properly determine if wastes were hazardous.

“As a result of the school’s violations, students and staff may have been unnecessarily exposed to hazardous waste, and wastes were improperly disposed of as nonregulated solid waste,” said Robert Varney, regional administrator of the EPA’s New England office in Boston.

The agency said it detected the violations when it inspected the school in April 2004.

The complaint said waste glaze and related floor sweepings were put in the trash or washed down the sink, and acid pickling solution neutralized with marble was washed down the sink. It also cited the school for improper management of cans of old waste paint, metal blasting debris and paint thinners and other solvents, and said fluorescent bulbs and computer monitors were improperly stored and labeled.

The college said it had just received the complaint and was evaluating its technical and legal aspects. Beth Elicker, the school’s executive vice president, said officials look forward to meeting with the EPA to discuss the complaint and seek a settlement.

The college said it is committed to the safety of students, faculty, staff and the environment and to ensuring full compliance with all regulations.

The EPA said the action against the college was part of its College and University Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, a program launched in 1999 by the New England office.